Tuesdays Top Ten........a day late

Here are ten of my favorite lyrics to different songs. It is in no particular order.

• "And so it goes that I never meant to hurt you, couldn't stay but I never meant to desert you. Whole lot of things that I just had to work through, time to heal and restore myself too. Confrontation of my fears and anxiety, cried a whole lot of years, I suffered quietly. I know it may have taken years, I can finally tell you that you were always on my mind. I had to lose myself, so I can make it better. I had to lose myself, I had to lose myself, so I can make it better. Had to lose myself in love, and thats just the way it is." -Lauryn Hill Lose Myself, cmon with lyrics as tight as that how can it not be amazing. Then you mix it with L Boogie's voice. Perfect. A song I listen to when I need validation.
  
  
• "Help me get downI can make it. Help me get down Help me get down I can make it. help me get down. If I only knew the answerI wouldn't be bothering you....Father, help me get down,I can make it. Help me get down, Help me get down I can make it.Help me get down. If I only knew the answer. And if all our days are numbered, Then why do I keep counting..."- The Killers, Why do I keep counting. One of my many favorite Killers songs. I listen to it when I need answers to different questions that I am having in life. Good song, good message.



• "Is there someone you know, you're loving them so, but taking them all for granted. You may lose them one day, someone takes them away, and they don't hear the words you long to say. I would give anything I own, Give up my life, my heart, my home. I would give everything I own Just to have you back again. Just to touch you once again." -Bread, Everything I Own. This song reminds me of countless family roadtrips growing up. The lead singer of the band, David Gates, wrote the song about his dad after he died. It makes me think of my parents, and how grateful I am to have them in my life.



• "I was born by the river in a little tent. Oh and just like the river I been a runnin' ever since. It's been a long, a long time coming, but I know A change gon' come. oh yes it will. It's been too hard living but I'm afraid to die. Cuz I don't know what's up there beyond the sky. It's been a long, a long time coming, but I know A change gon' come oh yes it will." -Sam Cooke has one of the best voices of all time and you couple that with an anthem of the promotion of equality and you have a great classic song. I will also reccomend a rendition of this done by Lauryn Hill when she was with the Fugees that is fantastic as well.
  
  
• "How many years can a mountain exist, Before it's washed to the sea? Yes, 'n' how many years can some people exist, Before they're allowed to be free? Yes, 'n' how many times can a man turn his head, Pretending he just doesn't see? The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,The answer is blowin' in the wind." -Bob Dylan Blowin in the Wind. Great song from one of the greatest American songwriters of all time. I am a hippie at heart and love this song.
  
  
• "Yeah, my girlfriend takes me home when I'm too drunk to drive And she doesn't get all jealous when I hang out with the guys. She laughs at my dumb jokes when no one does. She brings me mexican food from Sombrero's just because(Yeah, just because).... And when I feel like giving up Like my world is falling down, I show up at 3am, She's still up watching Vacation, and I, See her pretty face. It takes me away to a better place and (I know that everything [3x]) Everything's gonna be fine" -Blink 182's Josie. I want to find and date Josie.
  
  
• "So long astoria, i found a map to buried treasure, and even if we come home empty handed. we'll still have our stories of battle scars, pirate ships and wounded hearts,broken bones, and all the best of friendships. and when this hourglass has filtered out its final grain of sand, i raise my glass to the memories we had. this is my wish, this is my wish. i'm takin back. i'm takin them all back." -The Ataris- So Long Astoria. This was one of my favorite bands in high school and this song is inspired by one of my all time favorite movies, The Goonies. It just makes me think back on high school with all the crazy adventures I had back in the day, and I definately raise my glass to those memories. good song.
  
  
• "When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom Let it be, oh let it be. And in my hour of darness she is standing, right in front of me, speaking words of wisdom let it be." The Beatles with Let it Be. A great song of solace for me. I listen to it whenever I need to just let it be.
  
  
• "It was the wicked and wild windBlew down the doors to let me in. Shattered windows and the sound of drumsPeople could not believe what I'd become. Revolutionaries Wait For my head on a silver plate. Just a puppet on a lonely string, Oh who would ever want to be king? I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing, Roman Cavalry choirs are singing. Be my mirror my sword and shield. My missionaries in a foreign field. For some reason I can not explainI know Saint Peter won't call my name. Never an honest word, And that was when I ruled the world"- Coldplay Viva la Vida. Great song, and current theme song of mine.

• "The sun just slipped its note below my door And I can't hide beneath my sheets. I've read the words before so now I know. The time has come again for me.
  And I'm feelin' the same way all over again. Feelin' the same way all over again. Singin' the same lines all over again. No matter how much I pretend.
  Another day that I can't find my head. My feet don't look like they're my own. I'll try and find the floor below to stand And I hope I reach it once again.
  And I'm feelin' the same way..." -Norah Jones, Feeling the Same Way. Awesome song kinda on the soundtrack of my life right now. Just feelin' the same way.

Tuesdays Top Ten

Okay this is really not a top ten list but a list of ten random facts that some of you may not know about me.

• I like to have a soundtrack for different events in my life. If I am going on a roadtrip I will make a mix or a new playlist for it, if I am going on a first date that I am excited to go on I will make a mix, if I am throwing a bash I will make a playlist for it, everytime I move to a new place- boom I have a new list. I know crazy but I like it, I live my life to music. At any random time I can tell you what song my life is like at that moment.


• I hate dating. The whole process just sucks, the games you have to play, the fakeness, the trying to read signs. I hate it. I don't ask out girls just for the heck of it, if I ask someone out it is because I actually like them, and I won't continue asking someone out just because they are hot. I have to have a genuine interest in them. I hate chasing girls, I generally refuse to do it. I have made exceptions in the past but no more.


• I am an expert on dating rules. I am also an expert advise giver on the subject I hate so much.


• I am the worlds biggest loud mouth trash talker. I feel bad for anyone who has to play against me in anything. But I love talking trash on the tennis court or whatever I am playing. It makes it more enjoyable for me.

• I have had a few hundred stitches. I wish I was lying or exagerating on this one. And two broken feet, luckily at different times. Exactly one year to the day away from eachother. Needless to say April 8th is not a good day for me.

• I am one of the most loyal people you will ever meet. If someone trash talks someone I consider a good friend......just watch it buddy. I won't criticize them either. I try my hardest not to say something to someone unless I have told it to their face.

• I am a total insomniac. If you ever need someone to talk to at 2am I am your guy.

• My first celebrity crush was Stephanie on Full House. This was followed by Kelly on Saved by the Bell.

• I can bust out most of the theme song to the Fresh Prince of Bel Air or a good portion of Shake yo money maker or Ignition remix. I'm tight like that.

• I am OCD about locking my car door. I don't know why, but I recheck it to make sure it is locked like at least twice before i leave it. I also do this with my house when I am the last one in.

There you go people, you now know me ten times more than you did at the before you read this.

Tuesdays Top Ten....a few hours late

Here is a list of my top ten favorite songs at this time. This is definately subject to change but as of right now there are ten songs that I can listen to whenever and I won't get sick of listening to it. All of these songs follow a quote by Lauryn Hill, "Music is supposed to inspire." In order for a song to be a great song in my book it must make you feel, and all of these songs make me feel.
1. Lose Myself- by Lauryn Hill. This is kind of like a theme song for me right now and has been for a while. It has a good beat, some sweet rhymes, and the lyrics are stellar. In order for a song to be great it has to have those three things, and L Boogie has a way of doing that a lot.
2. Redemption Song- by Bob Marley. Wow, that is all I have to say about this song. Definately inspirational.
3. Let it Be and Hey Jude- by the Beatles. Again two song that makes you feel a lot. The Beatles were great and they are my favorite band of all time.
4. Why Do I Keep Counting- By the Killers. This song reminds me a lot of how I feel sometimes. I think that it is only human to doubt the existence of God or the plan that I know he has for me. I think that everyone does it from time to time. Whenever I wonder if God is really there and I wonder what my relationship is with Him I listen to this song. Here is just a part of the lyric that really strike a cord in me: "Help me get down, I can make it, help me get down. If I only knew the answer I wouldn't be bothering you, Father. Help me get down." Good stuff.
5. Good Riddance- By Greenday. This is just a classic song by a band that used to be great. It is just a good theme song to any good memory you have.
6. Like A Rolling Stone- By Bob Dylan. Dylan is just great and this is probably my favorite song by him.
7. Imagine- By John Lennon: He is probably the best song writer of all time. A perfect world summarized in a song. Great.
8. Tiny Dancer/Rocket Man- By Elton John: Old school Elton John is fantastic. These are my two favorite songs.
9. Everything I Own- by Bread: Bread is classic 70's pop rock. This is a song that the lead singer wrote about his dad who he got into a huge fight with and stopped speaking to him. After he learned his dad died he wrote this about how he would give everything he owns just to have him back again. Great song reminds me of countless family roadtrips.
10. Fire and Rain by James Taylor and Shoot the Moon by Norah Jones: Two songs that really make me think about friendship and how important my friends are to me.

Tuesday's Top Ten.....a day late. Sorry

Favorite Movies of 2007

1. Juno: I just watched this for the first time last night and freaking love it. It is hilarious and has a really good message to it.
2. Atonement: I know, I know, there are some who don't like it at all, but it was such a good show and deserves more credit than it is getting. Great.
3. The Great Debaters: This was fantastic, it involved so many things that are so important to me, racially equality, politics, debate. It was full of amazing dialogue and told a really important story.
4. Across The Universe: 4,5,6 are an all out tie, but I had to place them somewhere so I went in alphebetical order. Anyways this is a great show. It fueled my love for the Beatles and the greatness that was 60's rock. It also had characters that filled the role of Jimmi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. The soundtrack is awesome and so is the film. It is really psychedelic all about the typical 60's drugs, sex, and rock and roll. Stellar.
5. Lions for Lambs: First of all it is not anti-American. I know so many people have heard that it is. It shows so many different opinions on the war in Iraq from all sides. It was stellar with a lot of stellar performances.
6. No Country for Old Men: This was a great show. It was suspensful and a little crazy but really good.
7. 3:10 to Yuma: Finally a throwback to classic westerns but actually good. Good story, good acting, an all out great flick.
8. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford: Great title for a movie and such a good show. Casey Affleck earns major props for his role in this show and redeems himself for Gone Baby Gone.
9. Into The Wild: This was a very interesting show with a good story. It was very well done and the main actor in it was really good too.
10. Superbad: As vulger as any movie can be but it was awesome. One of the funniest shows ever there are so many parts to it that make me laugh just thinking about it. Warning not for those who do not like vulgarity.

Other notable movies that were great: Bourne Ultimatum, Transformers, Zodiac, and Hot Fuzz. I did not see There will be blood, but from what I hear it is really good. I will let you know.

Tuesday's Top Ten.......a day late. Sorry

My top 10 Favorite Books:

1. The Outsiders: This is a book that I first read when I was in the 6th grade and have probably read it once a year since then. I am a lot like Poneyboy, the main character in the book, in the way I think and the way I act. If you wanted to know what a 14 year old Brad was like then read the Outsiders. It is a book completely meant for teenagers and is full of teenage angst but it is very compelling and a solid read. Also what is amazing is the author, S.E. Hinton, was 15 when she started writing it.

2. To Kill A Mockingbird: This is a toss up for the number one spot. I can read it a billion times and never get sick of it. Harper Lee was amazing. It involves one of my favorite topics: civil rights and racial equality. I want to be Atticus Finch one day. Also I got the nickname Boo-Radley from my 12th grade AP Lit class. Not because I resemble Boo in anyway but it just fit my name well. Also not because they were booing me.

3. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: Mark Twain is a great author and social satirist. This is my favorite book that he has written.

4. The Count of Monte Cristo: Classic. It is such an awesome book about revenge. Soooo good.

5. Peter Pan: This is my favorite kids story and it is a really good book. I highly reccomend it.

6. There Are No Children Here: This is a great book. It is about a sociologist who followed two kids growing up in the projects on the southwest side of Chicago and the struggles that they faced on a daily basis. After living in the Southside for two years it is a perfect description of how life is really like in the ghettos of Chi-town.

7. Oh The Places You'll Go: You can't have a top ten book list and not have a Dr. Seuss book. One of my high school coaches gave this book to me as a graduation present and it has a lot of inspirational tips in it.

8. The Audacity of Hope: This is by Barrack Obama and it describes perfectly how politics should be ran. It is a great read.

9. Of Mice and Men: This is a really great book. It has been a while since I read it but I really enjoyed reading it.

10. Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl/ The Scarlet Letter: These are both books that I read in high school and they are great. Anne Frank gives a first hand perspective of what it was like to be Jewish in Nazi controlled Europe. It is an amazing book. The Scarlet Letter deserves props because it really makes you think about how judgmental human nature is, especially under the guise of religion. I couldn't leave either out.

Now the first five are solid in my top ten favorite books. The others are subject to change as I read new books and like them more.

Tuesday's Top Ten

This weeks top ten is going to be centered around my top ten guilty pleasures. You know those things that you indulge yourself on that you really shouldn't.
1. American Idol. I know I am so lame for liking this show but it is so addicting. There are a lot of really good performers on the show every year and they do deserve credit for being good. My favorites this year are Brooke White and Syesha Mercado. I don't think either will win but I hope they do.
2. The Hills. I know this one is rather embarrassing but I can't help but watch it if it is on or go to MTV.com to watch it if I missed it. I hate drama in my own life more than about anything but for some reason if you put it on television between four hot girls it becomes very interesting.
3. The Urban Cowboy sandwich at Gandolfo's. This is the best sandwich in the world. I don't think that I can ever get sick of it. I occasionally go there after my Monday night class on my way home. It is so good.
4. The Office. Now this is nothing to be ashamed of but I think that I take liking the Office to the extreme. I have seen every episode of every season at least four times, most likely more. Sad I know, but I promise I do have a life.
5. Political Debates. I love politics and really like watching the presidential debates. I have seen almost everyone of those as well or at least read the transcripts. They are so interesting. I know....... Nerd alert.
6. Being at home. I don't live with the parentals and have to admit that I enjoy going home for the weekend. It seems that ever since I have moved out I am a bit more spoiled when I come home. And when I don't come home for a weekend or two then that is when life is real good.
7. Anything to do with Chicago. I love that place, probably a little too much. Anytime I hear or see anything Chicago I get excited. My family and some of my friends are beginning to not allow me to watch movies with them that were filmed in Chi-town because every time I see somewhere I have been I pause the movie and point it out. I am not as bad as I used to be, at least I think.
8. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. There is a possibility that I may marry Kate Hudson one day. A girl that I used to have a thing for and I would watch it a lot together and quote it quite a bit, so it reminds me of her a lot. It is probably the best chick flick of all time....and I hate chick flicks. There are very few that are good, and this is the best.
9. Mean Girls. I know what you are thinking but it is a really funny movie. There are so many hilarious parts to it.
10. The Breakfast Club and other 80's angst movies. The 80's are such a funny time but it put out a lot of really good movies like the Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and Summer School. I know they are really corny and cliche but they are great. Especially the Breakfast Club. This is has a good chance of being in my top ten favorite of all time.

So now you all know a little bit more about me. Maybe a little bit more than you wanted, but that is your fault, you kept reading. Guilty pleasures are always funny to hear about, so I hope you enjoyed my list.

Tuesday's Top Ten

This is going to be a sentimental top ten. I turn 23 on Friday and have been thinking a lot lately about the different people who have, for better or worse, helped me become the person that I am today. This is going to exclude the obvious spiritual answers like God and Jesus and some of the spiritual leaders that definately have influenced my life like Joseph Smith and Gordon B. Hinckley, and is going to focus on a more temporal nature.

1. My Dad. For those who have had the opportunity to meet my Dad and have a conversation with him know what kind of man he is. He is the best Dad anyone could ever ask for and one of the best examples of what it means to be a good man. He is kind, genorous, a natural leader, and a gentleman. My dad is the kind of man who will go without, or sacrifice whatever it takes to make sure that those he loves will never go without anything. He was an elders quorum president at 25, a high councilman by 27 and a bishop at 30. A spiritual giant that is always a source of strength when I need some serious counciling. He has been married to my mom for 27 years and still opens the car door for her everytime she gets in the car. If I could only be half the man my dad is I will be a lucky man.

2. My Momma. My mom and dad are interchangable at 1 and 2. My mom has been present at basically every important moment of my life, she makes sure of it. She is supportive, loving, and a constant example of goodness. I really couln't ask for better parents. This also includes my bro and two younger sisters who have obviously shaped my life tremendously.

3. My Gramps. My Grandpa Cummings is the funniest person that I know. If I ever need a cheering up I know all that I have to do is give gramps a call and he will have me laughing within seconds of him picking up the phone. I think I get my sense of humor from him. This also includes my Grandma Love, who is the most defensive grandma in the world. Don't ever mess with me because if you do, you will have to deal with her. She is great, if you don't mess with one of her grandkids you will know her as one of the nicest people you know.

4. My Grandpa Don. He is very quiet and reserved but will get you with these amazingly funny one liners that catch you off guard. I think I get my liberalness from him, he is the only democrat in the family. A quick story about why I love my grandpa so much is in high school I decided to take up tennis. I got really into it. I played it all the time and couldn't stop talking about it. My grandpa is from Laramie Wyoming, not a place known for its tennis knowledge, but ever since I started to play he has started watching it so he could call me and talk about what was happening. He calls me everytime a political debate is going to be on, or whenever one of my favorite tennis players are going to be playing so I don't miss it. This of course includes my Grandma Myrtle, she is the epitome of a loving grandma and one of the best cooks I know.

5. Big Poppa and the Shaner and Mark and Andrew. Big Poppa is Ben and the Shaner is Shane and they were all companions or basically companions of mine while I was in Chicago. Although I don't get to see them as much as I want I know that they will always be good friends of mine. Especially Shane and Ben they will always be two of my best buddies. Also I think the A-team deserves some recognition here. Dionne and Amber are two of my best friends as well.

Left Pic: Shane, me, and Ben.

Bottom Right: Mark and Me

Bottom Left: Andrew and Me

6. My varsity debate class. I know this is going to sound really weird but this entire class has had one of the biggest effects on my life. I gained some of my best friends from this class and am so greatful for having been a part of it. It brought together 20 kids from all over the social spectrum and somehow we all became really good friends. There are some in the class who had a bigger effect than others namely Shulz, Chelsi, Cole, Leigh, Cristel and Klay. They were a big part of why my senior year rocked.

7. My other group of friends. This is Kristy, Chelsie, Missy, Scottie, Shari, and Eric. This was a constant gang of friends from high school that for the most part I am still in good contact with.
My Roy friends go here as well. I was split between my friends that went to Fremont and those that went to Roy. They were a ton of fun and unfortunately I only talk to one of them. Sad how things change. Anyways they are Lisa, Megan, Bateman, Logan, Crystal and Jake. From Dam Tuesdays, to trampoline movie nights, to me and logan having Lisa bleach our hair, we had some sweet times.

8. President and Sister Haines: This was my mission president and his wife. I have not looked up to a man, excluding my father, more than President Haines. He taught me and forced me to become a leader and I am so grateful for that knowledge. Both President and Sister Haines have helped me change in so many undescribable ways, and all for the better. I love and miss them a lot.

9. My friends from the 'Ko. I originally went to work there to work with one of my friends who ended up quitting a few months after I started but gained some friends that I know I will have for a very long time. The business of life makes it so we can only all get together like four or five times a year but everytime we do it rocks. Heather, Bob, Jamie, Chris, and Shantel. Good times, everytime I have a sucky day at my job now I think about quitting and going back.....unfortunately Heather is the only one still there so it wouldn't do me too much good to do that.

10. My Grandma Rosie. She was one of the first people that I had a really personal relationship with when I was in Chicago. We clicked from the first day I met her. It was like we had known eachother for a very long time. Just thinking about her I get teary eyed. For those of you who have had the chance to meet her know exactly what I am talking about. I miss her a lot and can't wait until I get to see her in heaven.

Tuesday's Top Ten

I read on a friend of mine's blog this idea of creating a top ten list on random Tuesdays and have decided to steal it so I can have something to blog about. So here it goes my top ten favorite musicians:
1. The Beatles: I have grown to love and respect the Beatles more than any other music artists out there. They have the best selection of songs to choose from and have experimented with so many types of music that they cross into so many genres. They have defined what great music is in the 20th Century. With songs like "Hey Jude," "Yesterday," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Let it Be," "Helter Skelter," and "Strawberry Fields Forever" who could compete?
2. The Killers: This has become a band that I really appreciate. Their sound is a throwback to the English invasion sound of the early sixties mixed with an alternative sound that makes them really unique. All three of their cd's out are great each having at least five great songs, five good songs, and a few songs that are just okay. Not bad for an album. Their lyrics are great, their sound is great, overall an awesome band.
3. Lauryn Hill: I have loved Lauryn ever since 1998. I remember first seeing the music video for "Doo Wop" at my friends house because my parents had blocked MTV from our house. Ever since then I have been addicted. I have gone back and listened to the Fugees which she was a part of, but her solo career is what I really love. She blends a combination of R&B, Hip Hop, and rap that is really amazing to listen to. She has a really soulful voice and she writes a tight lyric. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is one of my most listened to albums ever. And recenty she released a song called "Lose Yourself" on the Surfs Up soundtrack that could be my favorite song of hers.
4. Blink 182: I know I will catch a lot of flack for this one, but my jr. high and high school days would not have been the same without them. And for all those who say they sold out, I want to fight. Warning: I have big muscles, some say the biggest in the world. They brought punk mainstream, in order to do so they needed to sign with a real label, so to the few who knew Blink before Enema of the State, congratulations, I did as well, but you sold out on them. They were still great after Enema. This also includes all subsequent bands that have formed out of the break up of Blink- Boxcar Racer, Angels and Airwaves, and +44.
5. Bob Dylan: Another of the all time greats in Rock and Roll. I will make a bold statement and say that he is one of the top two best song writers of all time. John Lennon is his only competition. I know a lot don't like his voice but I think it is original. His folk stuff is great and once he went electric he continued on with creating excellent music.
6. Journey: I love 80's music in all of its horribleness. But Journey somehow rose above most bad 80's music and produced some really great stuff. Steve Perry the lead singer has one of the best voices ever. This is the music I grew up listening to with my two aunts who used to babysit me. I have loved them ever since. Their best of album is one that is constantly switched in and out of my cd player.
7. Alicia Keys: I have had a major crush for Alicia ever since "Fallin" first burst out onto the scene. She has one of the best voices of all time and she writes her own stuff. It is hard to find female r&b musicians who actually do that. She is talented, smart, and freaking hot. I could listen to her all day long.
8. The Ataris: This is a band that also reminds me of my high school days and some of my best friends. I love good lyrics and this band has made some of the most quotable lyrics ever. Here is my favorite, "So long astoria i found a map to buried treasureand even if we come home empty handed we'll still have our stories of battle scars, pirate ships and wounded hearts, broken bones, and all the best of friendships and when this hourglass has filtered out its final grain of sand i raise my glass to the memories we had this is my wish this is my wish im takin back im takin them all back" This band always puts me in a good mood.
9. Smokey Robinson: If I could sing like anyone in the world it might be Smokey. His voice is so good. He can go really high and really low. I think it takes someone with a lot of talent to continue to be in the music business as long as he has and still be successful. Smokey is awesome.
10. Green Day: Again my high school life requires that this band be on my list. I love a lot of their songs and they are the first band I saw preform live in concert. They started me on an illustrious career of concert going that I had while I was in high school and everytime I listen to them it makes me want to do it again.

Well this is not an all time favorite list I don't think that it is possible to make one. But as of right at this moment it will suffice. There are a ton of others I wish I could put up there but can't. Hope you enjoy the list. Let me know what you think.