100 Blogs: Plugging IN

Dear Obsequious Readers-

I have finally reached 100 Blogs since 2007. Being that it falls during the last month of this year, it is now time to review some of my favorites from 2008 and direct you to the "good" stuff around the web and around the world. So hold onto your hats (especially if they're not beanies) and get ready to click for fun!

Music~
Missy Higgins graced us with a new album this year, entitled On a Clear Night. The indie star from Australia gives us, once again, her perspective on relationships and life. With her simple acoustic or piano accompanying her; Higgins draws her listeners into the story. Her song, Where I Stood, debuted on VH1 this year and this is certainly an artist I could listen to all day. Her style is real and even vulnerable. I was first introduced to Missy Higgins in 2005 by a friend. Her album, The Sound of White, played a role that year in giving me perspective on life as I knew it. I recommend playing a few of her songs on her website.

Christina Aguilera released a decade album this year. I know what you'll say- but hey, this woman's power-house vocals makes for great music every time. Aguilera added 4 new songs to the album. Two of those songs are remixes of two of her greatest hits, Beautiful and Genie in a Bottle. She added a futuristic techno-dance-pop feel and the album itself is fun. Written for and dedicated to her son, I think Aguilera has come a long way. She has had several stages in her music -maturing with the stages in her life. Her performace at the MTV Music Video awards this year, was stunning, and she is easily one of the best vocalists of my generation. I think Keeps Getting Better is a great compelation album.

Movies~
Iron Man, best superhero movie of the year.
Quantum of Solace, best action movie of the year. I've always been a James Bond-woman, if you will. The film follows the first one, Casino Royale and this time, Bond is a little darker and a little mroe realistic.Prince Caspian, best adventure movie of the year. Following the Chronicles of Narnia is definitely exciting for me esp. since I read the books by C.S. Lewis growing up.
Horton Hears a Who, best animated date movie. Yes, I firmly believe couples should go on dates to see the cartoons once in awhile. It's really just...fun!

AND There Will be Blood, best drama of the year.

There were a lot of great movies during 2008 but I felt I needed to narrow it down. Honorable Mentions might go to The Dark Knight, Wanted, or Tropic Thunder.

Blogs & Sites~
I read many blogs and websites throughout the weeks and months. But certainly there are a few that have caught my attention that I want to note...and praise them for their writing or ideas.

1-Leah Meets Brandon- this is a beautiful blog brought together by two people who have never met from opposite sides of the world. Three times a week, Leah and Brandon post a photo- putting together a beautiful gallery of life and culture and exquisite scenery.

2-Current TV- The website backed by Al Gore is a fascinating change in how news is brought to our inquiring minds. While the submissions may be link to other sites, most of them are uploads to current. They're stories that explore a wide variety of topics and dig deeper into life and culture.

3-Man of Depravity- is a blog by a seminary student in Oregon. He writes his daily thoughts on faith, politics and other taboos in our culture. Whether you agree or disagree, his blog makes for a great discussion of ideas.

Photography~If these people are in your area, hire them. They're great photographers. Here are the links to their work.

Leah Tan in Canada @ The Girl Documentary
Alyssa Anders in Hawaii @ Alyssa Anders Photography
Amos Lanka in Oregon @ Amos Lanka Photography
Kate Field in Colorado @ Kate's Lens

& Ash Gallagher [wink] in Georgia @ Untamed Focus Photography

Project Homeless~
This season, I want to invite you to join in an effort that will really bless those around you. I encourage you to seek out any opportunity in your towns and cities to give to the poor. Project Homeless will be going out this year to pass out lunch and warm accessories for the winter. Our hope is that we will be able to also receive feed back from the homeless community about their needs and hopes for the future. I also want to invite you to let us know what you're doing. If you and your friends or church are volunteering in your community; tell us about it. What did you do? What was your experience like? 

You can email Sarah or me at projecthomeless@gmail.com. I will post your experiences and share them with others on my blog after the holiday season.

Finally~

Here are some of my favorite pictures from Thanksgiving weekend!