Ten Cool Things

The following are ten things I find important, interesting, cool, and meaningful. They are not in any particular order.

1. Lone Star Taqueria (Restaurant)

Utah is incredibly rich with franchise food joints, but lacks in delicious originals. Lone Star Taqueria is a diamond of delicious uniqueness in the franchise laden rough that is my home state. My family has been eating at this Mexican food place for about ten years. The fish tacos are stellar, yes, but I prefer the half size carne asada burrito and a side of chips and guacamole. Nearly a perfect meal. :)

2. Captain From Castile (1945) - Samuel Shellabarger (Book)

There are countless incredibly cool books. It may seem hipster to have chosen this one first over the others. But, I was so enraptured by the adventure it contains the first time I read it that it must make this list. This historical fiction follows Pedro de Vargas, the son of a noble during the Spanish Inquisition and the Conquistadors. Mixed into the glorious adventure tale is a story of love and a young man learning moral strength.

3. Willow (1998) - Ron Howard (Movie)

Arguably a very silly movie, Willow stands as one of my favorites. Produced by George Lucas in an endeavor to make a high fantasy as popular as his previous Star Wars, it barely made its money back at the box office. The reason I love this movie so much is not for narrative perfection or cinematic glory, but for how easy it was for my friend group growing up to quote it. We loved watching it together. It was fun.

4. The Cay (1969) - Theodore Taylor

I was a rowdy boy. Class for seven hours a day did not bode well for my hyperness. To help pass time, I would often imagine myself in grand adventures. I wanted to live in the wilderness like in the book "The Far Side of The Mountain". As a kid, I loved "The Cay", as it was an escape from the mundane. Later, I recognized the racial lessons that it taught me as a kid.

5. More (1999) - Mark Osborne

I've always loved claymation. It was the first type of media I tried to create myself on my dad's camcorder. So for this list of top ten, it was a hard fight between More and Wallace and Gromit for the top claymation. I grew up on the cheese and crackers of Wallace and Gromit, but more has resonated with me in a more significant way. I like it because the protagonist becomes what he hates most in his quest to make the world a better place. It is a poignant warning.

6. Zao - Asian Cafe (Restaurant)

Food, again. This one is interesting and unique. Think Chipotle style menu and ordering for fresh asian food (not the fried MSG-laden stuff). It is delicious. There is not much more for me to say about it. I order the chicken tacos with everything on them, and an additional splash of the house green curry sauce. It's only in Salt Lake Valley, but comes to Lehi in a few months.

7. Children of Men (2006) - Alfonso Caurón (Movie) 

(Spoiler Alert)

This movie is beautiful. And not in the sense that pulling out a still would be beautiful. I like it for the story, and the message (and of course, how incredibly they pulled off how long each shot is). In a disgusting, morose, gritty world, the presence and innocence of a baby's life calls for reverent awe. Life is precious.

8. The Gravel Road - James Newton Howard (Song)

This is the song overlaid during the climax of M. Night Shyamalan's film, The Village (2004). While I do consider the film incredibly underrated, this song itself easily makes my top ten cool things. Just listen to it. The beautiful pairing of piano and strings make for quite the poignant piece. It's an inspirational song for me.

9. Thistle & Weed - Mumford and Sons (Song)

Back in my senior year of High School, I was incredibly reluctant to jump on the Mumford and Sons train with their song "Little Lion Man". Again, I was too hipster. After a while, I skipped listening to the hit singles and went straight into their album to see if they were all they were cracked up to be. And now they are my favorite band. I even like "Little Lion Man". This song really inspires me. It ends with the lyrics, "lay yourself with good seeds, don't cover yourself with thistle and weed". Wherever we plant ourselves, the things we surround ourselves with, will influence our growth and development.

10. London Grammar (Band)

There is a reason the last three in this list are of music. Almost two years ago, I had the privilege of attending a Coldplay concert at UCLA with my mom. Their opening band was London Grammar. I was enraptured by Hannah Reid's commanding voice. I love nearly every song, and their entire album has infiltrated my "Top 25 Most Played" playlist. I have a crush on Reid, though I know nothing about her but her voice and appearance. Her voice is... dense and cathartic. This is the kind of music I listen to when I seek inspiration for meaningful stories to tell.