Yearly Awards for 2010

Comrades,

Life is a series of judgments against the standards of time's past. It is for this very reason that people create a “Year in Review List” or "The Top 100 Events" in (insert year). What in the world am I referring to is probably the question you just said to yourself as you read letters & symbols written by a fool smitten with his own proclamations. It is for the aforementioned question that I must now respond and with that response I continue to use more text than necessary just to keep the suspense lurking while doing revolutions around your patience. Ok Ok I’l stop but this  is just too much fun!  

The time has come for me to take a moment to reflect on the things most reflective in my eyes for 2010. Most of what you’ll find in this list revolve around people whom I have stood in the trenches with, shared a personal moment with, or just simply found common ground with. However, there will also be references to things that have no bearing on a personal relationship with (say it with me), P-E-O-P-L-E!
And now we commence the ceremonies...........

Most Rewarding Moment of 2010 (Non-Human Category): Seeing my beloved New Orleans Saints finally win the Super Bowl. If you are not from or have no ties to this great city than it is physically impossible for you to know just how big this was. 30+ years of loyal following for Mr. Lance and with a Father who attended the first game in 67, it is no wonder the impact of this win was so strong it made quick work of my sensitivities. Thank you Saints past, present, & future! 

Cheapest Beer Drank in 2010: Keystone Beer
Need I say anything more?

Most Dynamic & Creative Photographer of 2010: Greg Sims
Never have I seen somebody unify the world of photography and digital art the way this dude has. From military jets to NCAA & NFL sanctioned sports, this man has had his hand in the game and has forced the world to take notice that the standards of photography are only going higher on his watch.I call him "Jedi Master", you can call him Greg. For more info on this dynamite guy check out http://www.tri-digitalgroup2.com/

Cosmopolitan Person of 2010 Marc Pagani: Facebook has evolved in a way that allows all of us to participate in other people’s lives without having to physically be around them all the time. For better or worse we can argue that one later. For now, I have enjoyed reading about the travels of Marc Pagani who is based out of New Orleans. From the highest mountains to the sands of the Caribbean his tales of adventure and photography have been nothing short of captivating and insightful. If you are looking for a someone who will tell you what is and isn't as he as personally seen,  Marc is your guy. He also is a pretty dammed amazing photographer who has his hand in just about every type of photography known to the human race.  http://www.paganiphoto.com/

Person Whose 15 Seconds Are Up Justin Bieber : A child that has polarized the pre-pubescent minds of girls across the globe. Unfortunately, he has no talent and a ridiculous hair do that resembles something between a beehive and a birdhouse. Just wait, in a couple of years we will be reading of how he lit a hotel hallway on fire after going through a gallon of Vodka. 

My personal favorite picture from 2010: Chelsea Cassity in “Lake Waters”
There should always be a series of mountains one climbs when trying to establish excellence. 2010 was kind enough to bestow what I feel is the successful trek up just one of those mountains. It started over a series of conversations lasting 4 months & when the shutter closed on a setting sun in Lake Lowell, I knew I had something I would cherish forever. This is one of the rare moments where tooting your own horn never felt so good.

7. Best Movie of 2010: “Restrepo”
With the over the top computer graphics of today’s movies, it is nice that we still have a desire to see raw & unbridled films about the world around us more importantly, the wars that continue to suck the life out of our own futures. If you’re curious as to what a member of the U.S. military goes through in a place like the Korengal Valley this is the film for you. I saw this film and felt like I was back in Bosnia (circa 96) and the bond these men form with one another is yet another reminder that despite the wave of chaos that surrounds us, standing your ground for the man beside you still matters most. 

8. Biggest Consumer Product for 2010: Apple
This award is for a company who continues to streamline everyday things while making it cool, fun, and flat out reliable.

9. Most Disappointing Aspect of 2010: Our Population of Voters
Not because we are divided by this made for TV thing called “Party Affiliation”, but because we have emptied our loads exhausting precious energy for words instead of getting things done. I often wonder if our success as a country hinges on some sort of controlled chaos instead of harmony. Just a thought.....If you think either party truly represents you make sure you Fed Ex some of the same drugs you're taking to my address please.

Coolest City Visited in 2010: South Padre Island, Texas
Man oh man they love their Tex-Mex and cold beer! From the beaches to the jet skis,  this place is a poor man’s tropical paradise. The fishing is awesome and the accommodations are more than adequate. Seriously, give it a thought if you are looking for something different.

Well there you have it folks. What you just read was my own little collection of notables for 2010. For everyone who has supported "Justis Nation" I really can't thank you enough for it is you that enables the wheels under the bus I have been riding on for 6 years strong. May 2011 be better not just for you, but for the masses of eyes that make up the world we live in. 

Honorable Mentions for 2010

1. Learning to use the word "Seam" in a way I never imagined. 

2. Saying "No" when I absolutely had to

3. Seeing people finally realize there is more to pictures than the push of a button

4. Getting a new mayor in New Orleans

5. Andy Rooney

6. Colin Charland and his continued search for the Taliban in your living rooms

7. Soutwest Airlines

8. Getting up close and personal with the New Orleans Saints at their Metarie training facility

9. The beginnings of the NCAA's demise

10. The human ear! How unappreciated that asset is in our lives and unfortunately, under used. 

Champagne For All My Friends, 

Lance