I Stan For ...

I'm not feeling super literate today so i thought I would just make a list of my favorite things. I'm aware that I have done some iteration of this a few times before, but it's what I feel like doing today. So I'm going to do it again, repetitive or not.

MOVIES
* A Bronx Tale - The best gangster cautionary tale / racial harmony movie ever made.
* Auntie Mame - A master class on tolerance, perseverance and joie de vivre, wrapped in a zany comedy.
* Paul Newman - I was going to say The Long Hot Summer, but really it's just Paul Newman in almost anything.


MUSIC
* "Try a Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding - I shouldn't have to explain this. If you don't get it, you are lost and I can't find you.
* Jill Scott - I love not only her voice, but also her lyrics and her range. I think she's a phenomenal artist and I could listen to her all the time.
* "One" by U2 - This is not only one of my favorite songs, it is simply one of the best songs ever recorded. That's just truth.


GIFTS
* Jewelry - I like understated yet bold pieces with an element of radiance or sheen and/or simple stones. Right now I am loving the Mysterium Collection and I'm always a fan of Movado.
* Flowers - I did a whole post about this on my photoblog, but to keep it simple, I LOVE lilies. There is just something about their deceptive simplicity that is sexy to me.


CARS
* Aston Martin DB9 - I have mentioned this before, but this is just a beautiful car. Plus, hello James Bond.
* Muscle cars - I love the classic old cars especially the 1968 GTO and the 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass. And I must say that the brand new 2009 Dodge Challenger is fantastic looking and so far the only new muscle car attempt that works for me.


PLACES
* Rome -It was a struggle to pick my favorite European city, but in the end, I had to go with my first. Maybe it was part and parcel of the whole experience, but I just love this city. It has such spirit and vitality.
* San Francisco - It's a total cliche I know, but I think SF is America's (second) best city. I love the laid back energy, excellent food and amazing views. I have never had a bad time here and I hope to continue to make an annual trip there. And, the proximity of wine country is just lagniappe to an already great place.


FOOD
* Steak - I think a medium New York strip, oscar style is about as close to nirvana as you can get. Add a delicious side (garlic mashed potatoes, onion rings, or truffled macaroni and cheese) and I'm blissed out.
* Carrot cake - Let me be very specific, my mother's carrot cake, with cream cheese icing and pecans. It's what I've had for a birthday cake every year since I can remember. And I have no desire to change that; you don't mess with perfection.
* Risotto - It elevates my love for rice to a whole new level. The creaminess is sublime and if it has cheese, so much the better. Yum!


CLOTHING
*Pumas - Even I don't fully understand my love for these shoes, especially considering I had never touched a pair until 2002. But after my first pair I was hooked. I mourn some of the hot pairs I lost in Katrina. I really want a pair of the Ferrari ones, but Pumas seem to get pricier every year.
* White Linen Pants - I'm finally getting up to almost as many pairs of these as I had Pre-Katrina. I would wear white linen pants everyday if I could. They're the most comfortable and cool, yet stylish thing going.