Art from a Cigarette Vending Machine

This is a super cool artsy thing I just recently found out about and want to pass along. This artist group based out of Winston-Salem, North Carolina has taken old cigarette machines and have turned them into art vending machine's instead. Too cool! The machines are all around the country and there is one right here in Middle Tennessee at Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Basically you put $5.00 in the machine, pick the art piece you would like to purchase, pull the knob, and a cellophane wrapped square box with a piece of original artwork comes out. Too cool. I love neat artsy things like this!

Shaw's Shout out of the Day: Art-o-mat

Let the shopping begin!

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? If your like me you probably haven't! I have not started yet. It takes me a bit to get into the Christmas shopping mode. But I always take a day off in December to have a day to myself and do some shopping, which I'll be doing this coming week. I find it much easier to take a day off and go during the week instead of shopping on the weekends. During the week it is less crowded and much easier to get in and out of places. On the weekends everything around here gets jammed packed and it gets hard and aggravating to just simply get in and out of stores. No thanks! I guess I could do some online shopping instead as that would be nice and easy. But I enjoy going in the stores and looking around and picking things out. So I wish you well on your journey of Christmas shopping this holiday season!


Shaw's shout out: Glee my new favorite show. Love this show as it is too funny! If you haven't watched it yet give it a try!

Thanksgiving 2009

Well it is hard to believe it is November and Thanksgiving already, but it is, so Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone enjoys their day and hanging with family and friends where ever you may be. I stayed here in town this Thanksgiving and the parents have come in to visit. Since it is just the three of us, we don't mess with all the food preparation. Instead, we go to Cracker Barrel. We went last year as well and it was awesome! No cooking, no cleaning, just gotta wait to get in and eat. They give you a ton of food, and it is all only $8.99! Can't beat that.

On the home front, I am really enjoying my new apartment. I got all moved in at the end of August. It was a hectic move, but well worth it! I really like my new neighborhood and all the stores/restaurants within walking distance. Everyone is very friendly and it is a good place to be. I'm now much more happy with my living situation!

Well everyone enjoy all the food eating today! Take a nice nap as well and relax. And if your doing the crazy Friday shopping I hope you get the best deals out there! Happy Day!


Shaw's shout out of the day: Cracker Barrel

Moving on up

Well most of you know I am moving to a new place in August. I'm in the process of going through my stuff. Let me tell ya, I hate going through my things! Uprooting everything and shuffling it around drives me a bit nutty. Too many things have collected over the years. How does that happen? My philosphy with this move is, if I haven't used it or worn in in the past 3 years of living here in my current apartment, get rid of it! Items that have meaning to me like photos and such of course I will keep. But other things I want gone. It takes too much time to get rid of things. How is that so?

Shaw's Shoutout of the Day: Oatmeal Raisin Flax Kashi cookies
These are my latest snack and I totally love them! They are just too good. If you haven't tried them go get a box!

The King of Pop

Too sad about Michael Jackson's untimely death. I was quite shocked by it all and it still seems hard to believe. It really is amazing how many things the man did in his musical career. I've been trying to decided which one of his songs is my all time favorite and that is hard to pin down as I like a lot of his songs. Each decade there is a different song I like, and all go along with the decades they were in. I think my favorite early career song from the Jackson 5 is "I'll be there", and then after that his song "Don't stop till you get enough". You just gotta get up and dance when you hear that one! Of course, the whole Thriller album is full of favorites. I can remember we had the record, and me and my friends would play it over and over and dance around and pretend we were doing our own music videos. I can also remember classmates of mine in grade school trying to perfect their own version of the Moonwalk. One kid was pretty darn good at it too! Beat it and Bad have always been two of my favorites. Although I still get a good chuckle out of Weird Al's version of Beat it, "Eat it". Ha ha, remember that big ol fat suit he wore for that video!?! I think my favorite more recent Michael Jackson song is Black or White. I really like that song. It has a good happy beat and a good message. I haven't seen the video in a long time, but I can remember a lot of it. At the time it was very innovative with all the faces morphing into each other.

One of my favorite things about Michael is all his dance moves throughout all the years. I've been watching all these tribute specials about him on TV and they are showing all his dancing. How did he move like that? He really would just glide through mid air. Pretty amazing. And I had forgotten about how he would rise up on the tips of his toes. I can't think of any other performer quite like him. The world will truly miss him!


Shaw's Shout Out: to the King of Pop
May you rest in peace, whoo hoo.

Oh to blog

I don't have anything to blog about now that Idol is over! Ha ha just got to think of something I guess. I like that Adam has gotten all the fame even though he didn't win! I saw him singing on the morning shows, like he won. They seem to be featuring both of them. Anyone keeping up with the whole Susan Boyle thing?

And the Winner is.......Not Adam!

Kris Allen won American Idol! I have to say I'm shocked! I really didn't think he was going to win, but props to him for winning. I do like his voice and think he will do a good album. But what about Adam? Will he go back to theater or make an album? I think we will hear from him again!

I actually liked the finale show this year. They didn't cheese it out too much, and I liked the groups that performed. Overall enjoyable. Had to HOOT at bikini girl and her OBVIOUS new chest purchase!?! OMG! I was rolling my eyes as she was singing and then totally loved it when Kara came out and one upped her singing the song! Then Kara flashed everyone with her own bikini! Ha Ha, very funny, loved it! I loved Adam's song with Kiss! It was fireworks galoure, my goodness. Then he sang with Queen and rocked it for one last time, awesome as well!

So we now say so long to Idol, and have to wait till next year again!

Shaw out

Vote for Adam!

The big finale tonight on American Idol. I gotta say I've been an Adam fan all along, and still am. He's got my vote for this evening.....if I can get through! It is busy busy busy, but that is a good sign.

Loved all three of Adams songs. Wasn't crazy about the third one that is the token Idol song. Kind of cheesy with the hurricanes and all, but I liked Adam's take on it. Liked all his outfits, except the weird washed looking pants at the end song. The crowd was just screaming for him and Simon said he was a world wide star! Rock on Simon for that comment!

Kris - he sucked tonight! His first song was very good and I liked his voice in it. The last two songs were boring and I didn't care for either. I think Kris definantly was the one that grew the most on Idol, but I gots to say bye bye Kris!

Shaw's Shout Out tonight goes to Adam Lambert! Rock on Adam.
http://adam-lambert.net/

Adam vs. Kris

Ahh, I'm shocked by the top two on American Idol revealed tonight. I knew Adam was going to make it, but didn't think Kris would make it. I really wanted to see Danny there to the end. But I gotta thank America, cause their votes have now made it easier for me next week as my vote will be for Adam! No two thoughts about it, so thanks America! Sad to see Danny go, but I bet we will see him out there again. He has such a wonderful voice, so kudos to him!

Shaw out - remember when Ryan use to say that, Seacrest out!

Top 3 on Idol

Ahh it is almost the last Idol show this season. It is down to the top three, Danny, Kris and Adam. All three are really good, but I've got my top two favorites I hope to see next week in the final. That would be of course my main man Adam and my other fav Danny. But lets recap for the fun of it...

1. First up was Danny. His first song Dance Little Sister chosen by Paula was good. He rocked it and sang it well, and I enjoyed his raspy voice. But, I gotta say, I totally loved his second song You are so Beautiful. Good slow song and the song grew as it went on. Good job to Danny tonight and I bet we will see him next week. Oh yeah, and hot outfit he wore on the second song! Cute!

2. Second up was Kris Allen. I gotta say Kris's voice has grown the most out of all the contestants, but I just can not stand to watch him sing. His lips curl up stupid looking and it just bothers me. I don't think he has the Idol potential. I wasn't too fond of his first song, a little boring. But his second song was really really good, Heartless by Kanya West. Odd choice of song, but what he did with it was great. Good accoustic version of the song and he hit the notes well. So after that one, I feel he is giving both Adam and Danny a run for their money.

3. Adam Lambert went on last like usual. Simon choose One by U2 for Adam to sing. That is one of my all time favorite songs, so of course I was stoked. I didn't completely like the cut in half arrangement of it, I wanted to hear Adam sing the whole song! But due to time they got to cut the songs down a bit, so thats how it is. But loved Adams version of it, very soft and smooth. His second song Crying by Areosmith was hot hot hot! Loved it! I didn't like the background chic singing over his voice though, she needed to shut it! He blew everyone out of the theater again, so move over Danny and Kris, Adam's in the top three! Oh, and his hair was hot tonight as well, props to that.

So Shaw hopes to see Danny and Adam in the top two, but it's anyones game after tonights performances! We will see what happens tomorrow night!

Top 4 - Rock on Night

Tonight was Rock night on Idol, featuring Slash as the mentor. Slash is just the king of the guitar. He's just too cool and it was awesome they brought him on the show. The show also had a bit of a twist tonight. They added a duet section between the contestants. More about that in a sec.

1. Adam Lambert started the show off. They usually leave him till last, so it was nice to see him upfront and we didn't have to wait for him to rock it. Gotta say he blew everyone out of the theater! He was bad ass, had awesome hair, and the crowd went wild. I just smiled thru his whole performance! ***** Five stars this week for Adam.

2. Next up was Allison. She got a bit of a new haircut, and it was CUTE! Loved it and the fact she went to Adam's "hairgirl" for the doo. Good choice to follow Adam Allison! Totally loved her performance and thought she did awesome on a Janis Joplin song. She totally ruled the stage and came alive tonight. WTG Allison, she gets **** 4 stars from Shaw tonight!

Duet # 1: After those two performances they did the first duet with Danny and Kris. I was quite confused about it and didn't think it was good at all. Kris looked mad all night long and Danny looked like he was trying to have fun, but not really. Gotta give a thumbs down on this duet.

3. Kris went on after that, and he still had a mad look on his face. He was much better than I thought he would be since Rock really isn't his thing. I thought he got thru the song ok, but it wasn't all that. He gets *** 3 stars from Shaw.

4. Last but not least was Danny. He sang an Areosmith song and I gotta say it was his worst performance the whole season. Rock really isn't his thing. He went out on a limb with that song, but the limb snapped underneath him. It just wasn't him, but regardless he has a huge fan base and I still love his singing anyway. But tonight I give him *** 3 stars for this performance.

Duet #2: This one was the best way to end the show! Adam and Allison did a song and they were just perfect together! They did look like brother and sister and they had so much fun on the stage. Props to them, and I think it was my favorite part of the whole night! Go guys.

So, who goes home and who stays? I think the bottom two this week will be Kris and Danny, with Kris going home.

Shaw out!

Rock on Idols

Top five this week. They all are so good, it is way too hard to narrow it down, but here it goes.

1. Adam Lambert: By far my favorite tonight. I loved how he came down the stairs with his entrance. I feel like I'm watching the Adam Show when he performs. Like all the other contestants just don't matter! He is confident, awesome and he know's it. Tonight I thought he sounded a bit like Queen. He's Shaw's top pick of the night, receiving 5 stars *****.

2. Danny Gokey: Danny is just so fun. Everyone loves him and did you hear the cheering as he walked out! He had good tone and hit good notes and I loved the very bluezy sound he had tonight. Awesome glasses as well. All I gotta say is Hot Hot Hot! I'm giving him four and a half stars ****/.

3. Allison: I totally loved her tonight. She looked so cute in her dress and her hair was perfect. I liked seeing a sweet looking Allison, instead of a rocky trashy Allison. Her voice was dead on, but I gotta say booo on Simons comments about her. I thought she was plenty confident tonight! I give her 4 stars tonight ****.

4. Kris Allen: All I got to say is Very Nice Tonight! I think each week his voice grows just a little bit more, and tonight his voice was perfect. I thought he looked great and sounded great in a sweet way. I give him 4 stars for tonights performance ****.

Shaw's bottom pick for the evening: Matt Girard
I think this week is his week to go home. I didn't like his voice he sounded off key. The song started out boring, the middle was boring, but the ending was quite good. But I was surprised Simon liked it and gave him props! Shaw's gonna give Matt only 2 stars for tonight **.

Well thats Idol recap for the top 5. All 5 of them are awesome, so its hard from here on out!

Top 7 do it again this week

So last week the judges decided to use their save, and saved Matt. I think he redemed himself this week. I really liked his performance and he is one of my top 3 this week. My other top two are Adam of course. Loved the emotional cry song, and Danny was awesome. I think its going to come down to Adam and Danny eventually. My bottom three this week are Lil, Allison and Anoop. Lil just didn't do it for me. I usually love Allison, but she didn't have enough umph for me tonight. I love how Anoop was finally sexy this week with the suit and stashe, but I didn't reconize his song really, and that might hurt him. Hmmm so which two will go home. This is a tough one and will only get harder from here on out. I think Lil is heading home and I'm going to go out on a limb and say Allison. And if thats the case I'll be mad the judges used their save last week instead of this week.

Top 7 - hoot hoot

Now it's getting down to the top 7. Tonight they sang songs from movies. My top favorites were Adam as usual. He reminded me of an 80's hairband singer tonight with the high notes belting out his mouth. Loved his song and his strut and the guy liner looks hot on him. Also liked Alison's song, although she sounded like her voice was going out on her a bit. Totally loved Anoop tonight, and he finally wore a tie. Shaw's givin him props for that. I also liked Danny, even though he sounded a bit off. Shaw's bottom 3: Matt Giarad, Kris Allen and Lil Rounds. All three borred me and I think Kris is heading home. I don't know what he sang, and don't care.

Top 8 Idols

Tonight was the top 8 idols singing from the year they were born. I have to say I missed the first 20 minutes of the show. I got home later than usual, but I saw the recaps.

This week my top three favs are Anoop, Allison and of course Adam. I really liked Anoops song. He did a very nice job with it and made it his own. And, finally, he looked better. They changed him up a bit and I liked the look better - I still think they need to sex him up a bit more. Allison, I just loved her song tonight. I felt like I was in a bar listening to her sing. I thought she connected well with the audience tonight. Adam of course was the most different of the night. I didn't know his song though.....maybe he changed it up so much I didn't recognize it! I'll have to go find it on iTunes and then I'll probably realize what it was.

My bottom two tonight are Scott and Lil. Lil is starting to bore me and so is Scott. Its like the same thing each week. I'm predicting Scott will be the one to go home.

Shaw out

See ya later Megan!

Well Megan finally got the booty tonight on Idol. Thankgoodness! Anyone else think she was drunk or stoned tonight? What was with the crow noises? More reason to see her go in my opinion! I gotta say, tonight was the first group song I actually liked and got into. I usually hate the group song, and a lot of times don't watch it. It's a bit too cheesy for me. But I liked it tonight. And after hearing Kris sing in the group song he seems like his voice has really grown in just these past few weeks. So hoo-ha to him!

What up with the Lady GaGa routine? It was all a bit strange as well. It reminded me of a bad dance version of Thriller. Thoughts anyone?

Shaw's Shout out of today:
To my BFF for posting a hot photo of Adam on her blog just for mewha. Hoot Hoot to that!

Idol top 9

Shaw's top three Idol picks this week:

1. Adam Lambert - he's just cool, what can I say.

2. Danny Gokey - wasn't totally into his country song last night, but still dug him anyway.

3. Chris Allen - Last night was the first night I watched him and said "WOW". He really was good last night, totally dug him!


Shaw's bottom 3 this week:

1. Scott MacIntyre - He was better this week, but I'm not sure he was better enough if that makes sense.

2. Megan Joy - Every week I pick Megan as the one to go, and she doesn't go. So this week I'm going to pick someone else to go, and maybe she will go instead!

And the one going home:
3. Matt Girard - he just didn't cut it last night!


- Shaw out

Bye Oil Rig Dude

Well we say goodbye to the oil rig dude Miachel on AI this week. Overall I liked him, but this week he just didn't cut it. I'm not sure how Megan is still there as her perfomance sucked this week. Guess she has a fan base? Anyway, until next week....

On another note has anyone been watching America's Next Top Model? This week one girl at the very end stood up to Tyra and ratted out another girl that mentioned she wanted to go home. This girl was my favorite one, but now she isn't! Don't worry, Tyra put her in her place like she usually does! Now next week there is going to be one big ole cat fight on that show, so stay tuned.

Shaw out

Adam Lambert Rocks

Ok, heres Shaw's weekly Idol recappin and top 3 fav's:

1. My first pick has to go to my favorite Adam Lambert! He is just the best performer and this week he showed he can tone it down and still be awesome! Thumbs up to him.

2. Second pick goes to Danny Gokey this week. I just love Danny. He has a great voice and awesome presence. I completely see him winning it and becoming Idol's first christian artist. Yes, I can see it.

3. Shaw's third pickin goes to Allison Iraheta. I just can't believe she is 16! I mean my goodness where does that voice come from at 16! She has an awesome smokey voice and great stage presense as well. I wasn't totally crazy about what she was wearing though - weird jacket, tights, I don't know. But she gets my vote this week as well.

And, one more to add, my 4th pick is Anoop. His voice is just awesome. But he is not in my top three cause his stage presense is just not there. Tonight he should of wore a black power suit and handsomed himself up. But instead he was in guywear jeans and tennis shoes again. Someone pull those off his feet please! I mean this isn't a Seinfield episode people! Nuff said, That's Shaw's picks of the week! Tune in tommorrow to see who gets the booty and who gets to stay and keep singing for us all.

Shaw out!

The Flipflop - Fashion doo or don't?

I'm going to blog about something that has recently been bugging me. I'm trying to decide if the Flipflop is still in or not. I personally am tired of looking at it on people's feet. Maybe it's because I work on a college campus and every undergrad seems to be wearing them. They just now are putting them back on their pale white feet and tromping around campus in them and frankly they look gross! Maybe it's just the white feet, but I've decided I'm tired of looking at them. But, does that mean I'll stop wearing them? I think a pair of flipflops to the pool is just fine, out and about, I don't know. Tell me what you think.

Shaw's shout out Today: Shoe Carnival
http://www.shoecarnival.com/

Alexis got the booty

Well Alexis got the booty on AI last night. I think it was a bit too early for her to go. But the Dolly song she choose just didn't cut it. I think if she had chosen a different song she might still be in the running. But oh well, that's how Idol goes! Until next week...


Shaw's shout out: To Adam Lambert for rocking it!

Shaw's American Idol Predicting

Howdy all. Since I'm a big American Idol fan, and the show is now in the fun zone, I'll start blogging about my prediction for who will get the booty each week. So, here it goes for the top 12. This week was Grand Ole Opry week on Idol. I was a bit scared for some of the contestants, cause some of them are not anywhere near country artist. But they all surprised me and I was quite impressed with all of them. I really like this group this year. I truely enjoyed them all with the exception of Megan. Her voice is just a bit too weird for me, and I'm going to predict she will be the one to go home this evening. I love Danny Gokey and hope that he will make it to the finale. I was very impressed with Anoop last night. He has such a good voice, I just wish the stylists would sex him up a bit - get rid of the tennis shoes and jeans! But my all time fav for the evening, and has been consistant each week is Adam Lambert! He is just in a league of his own! He is a true showman and I love how he just struts around the stage and belts whatever out. Totally dug his odd version of Ring of Fire, as I didn't think he would do to great on country night. So Shaws top 3 fave's of the evening were Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Anoop Desai. Shaw's bottom three predicted is Megan Joy, Michael Sarver, and Matt Giraud with Megan going home.

On another note, yesterday I received my new DSL modem in the mail and got it setup with no real problems. Hoot Hoot, no more dial-up. Now I can surf faster at home!

Shaw's shout out: AT&T's DSL service

Hello its March already!

Hello all. I've not blogged in awhile so here it goes. Nothing to exciting to report. It's been rainy here a lot in Nashville. It warmed up a bit as well, so bonus on that! I took the first week of March off for Spring Break. Stayed in Nashville and did stuff around town and at home, which was a nice break. Now I'm back to the usual.

Shaw's shout out for today: Tyra's fighting show!
Anyone else out there watch America's Next Top Model like I do? Well there was a big fight at the New York casting call over the weekend. My goodness, calm down ladies!

Ok I'm back - did I lose everyone?

Howdy all. I've decided to come back to the bloggin world. I took a bit of a break. Nothing super new and exciting here. I'm now officially on the 3G network....I got a new cell phone and I love it! It has internet and GPS. So I've been working on learning the in's and out's of it. It's pretty cool.

I decided this year to take Spring Break off from work which is the first week of March. Every year it clears out at work and it's boring as all get out with everyone gone. So, I decided to take the week off and "stay-cation" in Nashville. I've got some around town outings planned and am also planning on working on some creative projects I keep putting off. A whole week to do what I want! Sounds good to me.

Shaw's Shout for today: Miche Bags
I got this new purse via my mom when I went home over the holidays. I totally love this! Ladies, check it out, this purse has outside shells that you remove and can swap out, so you don't have to change the contents in your bag, you just change the outside whenever you want. Earth friendly magnets hold the shells on, and the handles are held by clips so they can be switched out as well from long to short handles. I got the black bag with three shells, one sassy pink, one navy blue, and one blue striped. I totally love it!

No bloggin lately

Howdy folks. I've not been bloggin on here very much lately. Instead I've been spending all my free time on Facebook! I gotta say I'm addicted to it. It is amazing how many people are on here. Its like one big reunion. I'm sure after all the FB fanfare wears off I'll be back to posting blogs again. Right now I'm too bizzy catchin up with old friends.

Shout out today: This one goes to my girl Zuli for FB'ing this too me. Can I puke!
Belleville Chuck Wagon! This is a gross restaurant! http://www.chuckwagonfvh.com/

UniTard

Thanks to Jules for sending this to me! Ha ha, nice unitard dude!

Flabby Dancer

OMG I'm on FB All

Howdy fellow Shawster's blog followers. I have finally joined the rest of the world on Facebook. So if your a fellow Facebooky go find me on there and add me to your friend's list!

Shout Out: Facebook

American Idol - aka AI

So any of you out there following the Shawster Blog watch AI last night? I have to say I am an AI fan. Each year proves to be fun. I like the auditions and all the stupidness that goes with it. However, I think they could leave out the drama queens cause who cares about all their wining! After weeks of watching all the audition footage, its always a relief to see some talent finally emerge on the show. I got a good laugh out of the bikini bimbo last night! What was that? The horrible singers last night were quite funny. They act so serious like they are for real! I think AI pays them to go on there. Did anyone see the quick flash forward clip of a large pink bunny hugging Simon and picking him up?!? Ha ha I'm waiting to see that one!

Shout out: American Idol
Who was your favorite auditioner last night?

2009 Hello!

Well welcome back to everyone and a happy new year to 2009. I enjoyed my trip back home to the frozen tundra of Illinois. Actually the temp's were not too bad. In fact, we had a tornado warning one day! Then it got cold after that passed through. Now I'm back to the grind and usual blah.

So as a graphic designer I have to get geeky from time to time. Apple had their keynote address last week, which I watched online. They are putting out a new 17" MacBook Pro later this month. I'm now oogling over it and want one! The new iLife 09 is pretty sweet as well. The new version of iPhoto has face recognition software integrated with in it. With it, you can make albums of each of your friends and it will automatically recognize each person's face when you add new photos and it will ask you if it is so and so. Then you can click yes or no and it will put all the same person in one folder. It can organize by person for you. Pretty cool! In the new version of Garage Band they have included music lessons for piano and guitar. You can learn how to play on your own through step by step instruction. Or, they have lessons taught by famous musicians on how to play one of their hit songs. So we all can learn how to play the guitar from John Fogarty! Ha Ha, kind of fun!

First Shout Out of 09:
So in my designer geekyness this past week I also found this, which is super cool. This is a story about a composer/researcher/programmer at Stanford named Ge Wang. He has created an orchestra called Stanford Laptop Orchestra which consists of folks that play their instruments on the computer. They use 20 MacBooks to compose and perform new music electronically. How cool is that! They even created their own speakers out of wooden salad bowls! Check it out here.