favorite part of the oscars...

My favorite part of the Oscars was all about Once. I enjoyed watching Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova perform their nominated song (see video below of them performing it in Chicago), as well as their speeches. If you didn't catch the show, host Jon Stewert brought Markéta Irglová back out after she had been ushered off before giving her acceptance speech. Although Glen gave his speech, Markéta was ushered off stage before she could even begin to say anything. Thankfully Stewart brought her back after the commercial break and she delivered her unforgettable speech. So, due to Oscar copyright, you cannot watch Marketa Irglova give her speech (or their performance), but thanks to a fellow blogger, I found it written out.

Marketa's speech:

"Hi everyone. I just want to thank you so much. This is such a big deal, not only for us, but for all other independent musicians and artists that spend most of their time struggling, and this, the fact that we're standing here tonight, the fact that we're able to hold this, it's just to prove no matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible. And, you know, fair play to those who dare to dream and don't give up. And this song was written from a perspective of hope, and hope at the end of the day connects us all, no matter how different we are. And so thank you so much, who helped us along the way. Thank you."

And to compliment this, her counterpart in "Falling Slowly", Glen Hansard, also gave a great acceptance speech before her. I'll include that below just as to give both of them the extra appreciation they deserve.

"Thanks! This is amazing. What are we doing here? This is mad. We made this film two years ago. We shot on two Handicams. It took us three weeks to make. We made it for a hundred grand. We never thought we would come into a room like this and be in front of you people. It's been an amazing thing. Thanks for taking this film seriously, all of you. It means a lot to us. Thanks to the Academy, thanks to all the people who've helped us, they know who they are, we don't need to say them. This is amazing. Make art. Make art. Thanks."

Back to Basics: Backgammon

This is one of Tyler and my favorite pastimes: Backgammon. Sometimes it's so nice to turn off all the noise-making media and just play a board game. It's something that passed the time on the computer when we first moved here, and so Tyler gave me a vintage board for our anniversary last June. The past couple of nights we've found ourselves playing (and documenting the occasion.)

Window Shadows

Just took some photos outside my bedroom window that I thought were kinda neat. So I am sharing them.

Super Duper Tuesday...

In honor of today I thought I would share this tidbit. Can't decide who to vote for? Let this website decide for you!

Yes We Can!

I think, for several reasons, Tyler and I are more excited about this election than past elections. Conversations with the Carters, subscriptions to Newsweek and the New York Observer, and a general coming of age are some of those reasons.

In the words of my friend, Kyle,
"Watch this and be inspired.

Regardless of your feelings on the upcoming election, regardless of your feelings about political parties, and regardless of your feelings about our country's current place in the world: this video will seriously reach you. Unless you are heartless. Or ignorant."

If you can't view the video get a Mac or click here.