5 Cool Things

1. Akihiko Okamura was a photographer I was introduced to over the summer in Ireland. Though Japanese, Okamura spent his life photographing The Troubles in Ireland. His images are arresting, not because of the vibrant violence, but because of the stillness and beauty he sees beyond the initially abrasive spectacle. He was quiet, and no one knows why he chose Ireland to live out his days and gift the world his best work. We do know this: his photography is a window into the soul of a man who loved the people and place around him...and he chose to spend his life in the pursuit to capture and share that love.

   
   

2. I have an unhealthy relationship with the Seattle Seahawks. Generationally passed through my father, this fandom courses through my veins. I'm not sure how healthy it is, but it's as real as it is unreasonable, and takes up as much space in my heart as it does my closet. I'm excited about the new head coach and our young defense this season, but Pete Carroll and the L.O.B. will always have my heart.

   
   

3. Earlier this year, I binged the discography of a jazz trio called BADBADNOTGOOD. They are most known for producing hip hop, but I think their strongest stuff lies in their solo albums. Though instrumental jazz, they are thoroughly moving, interesting, and engaging. If you don't see yourself listening to an hour instrumental album, their collaboration album with Ghostface Killah (Sour Soul) is an incredible hip hop album and their EP with Baby Rose (Slow Burn) is one of the strongest half hour listens you can have.

   
   

4. I was skeptical, but my dad brought us to the theater in Provo while my parents were in town. Provo usually doesn't play anything I'm too excited about, so I didn't expect much. I didn't know I'd watch one of my favorite movies of all time. Dídi is an absolute master piece. Shot in 1.85:1 (a breathe of fresh air), this movie captures the oddities, awkwardness, and quirks of growing up in the mid 2000's with reverence, love, and humor. It's the American Graffiti for Millennia's. A love letter to Southern California suburbia, this movie is a must watch for all.

   
   

5. Almost 70 years ago, my great-great-grandfather started making trips from his potato farms in Oakley, Idaho to a small ski town called Sun Valley. Ever since, my family has been going up there to spend quality time in the mountains. I didn't get any snow growing up in San Diego, so it felt other worldly to enter that place. Some of my favorite memories live there: ducking under ropes to find fresh snow, trying to keep up with my dad, and coming home to play pick up sticks as a family. Maybe it's the place, maybe it's my ancestors, but Sun Valley is magical.