hungry hearted

follow me on tumblr!

2009-09-08T23:48:00.007-05:00

(via)

The time has come & I'm moving on over to tumblr. Follow me @ hungryhearted.tumblr.com! It's going to be so much fun!

there & back: a post vacay mix

2009-08-11T01:22:00.002-05:00

wild hearts

2009-08-10T17:12:00.002-05:00

Suggested listening: The Gaslight Anthem - Blue Jeans & White T-Shirts

Jersey boys with obvious Springsteen influence, just keeping it real. Enjoy the soft summer sentiment.

Bob & Bruce

2009-08-04T20:22:00.004-05:00

(via: Ken Regan)

Bob Dylan & Bruce Springsteen Meeting For the First Time, Backstage, New Haven, CT, 1975

OH MAN.

expectations

2009-08-01T16:40:00.004-05:00

After every foolish day we sleep off the fumes & furies of it's hours, and though we are always engaged with particulars, and often enslaved to them, we bring with us to every experiment the innate universal laws. These, while they exist in the mind as ideas, stand around us in nature forever embodied a present sanity to expose & cure the insanity of men. Our servitude to particulars betrays us into a hundred foolish expectations. -- Emerson, Nature

high tide

2009-07-31T17:38:00.002-05:00

Suggested listening: Best Coast - Sun Was High (So Was I)

Keep hearing this song. Seems appropriate.

avenue of the giants - northern california

2009-07-29T11:58:00.003-05:00

It's amazing how small you feel in comparison. But then again, these guys have been around for hundreds of years.

north coast country

2009-07-27T12:48:00.009-05:00

It's my last day in Eureka, California. Tomorrow I'll catch a ride down the coast to San Jose for the next portion of my travels. It's been a refreshing and rejuvenating experience up in this small town of the western north country. Crisp cold air & breathtaking natural surroundings have me in an exaggerated state of awe. It's a complete turn around from Austin's grueling summer. As I marvel at the overcast skies and cool breezes, my host has laughed at how insane I sound.

Aspects of the environment feel similar to my childhood in the northeast, but the coast and mountains offer this amazing blend of elements. Evergreens, redwoods & eucalyptus trees tower & fill vast stretches of land that drop off into the ocean. It's no surprise that the two main industries for this area were once lumber and fishing.

We hiked through the trails at Trinidad Bay through thick, overgrown forests. The giant trees block the sun and create dark clearings in their brush. We walked into the eerie darkness feeling as though we'd entered another land, exited, and laid on the massive rocks of the Trinidad Bay poking our heads over the cliff to watch the waves crash in a beautiful, violent display. The ocean is such a massive beast.

photo essay: westward bound

2009-07-24T18:31:00.005-05:00

Eureka!

2009-07-23T15:49:00.005-05:00

Suggested listening: Little Joy - Don't Watch Me Dancing

Sixty-five degrees & overcast feels incredibly restful and refreshing. Flannel, jeans & boots. North country. I'm into it.

new horizons

2009-07-20T16:41:00.013-05:00

(via)

(by Erin Poettcker via)

The lessons we learn from the wild become the etiquette of freedom. We can enjoy our humanity with it's flashy brains and sexual buzz, it's social cravings and stubborn tantrums, and take ourselves as no more and no less than another being in the Big Watershed. We can accept each other all as barefoot equals sleeping on the same ground. We can give up hoping to be eternal and quit fighting dirt. We can chase off mosquitoes and fence out varmints without hating them. No expectations, alert and sufficient, grateful and careful, generous and direct. A calm and clarity attend us in the moment we are wiping the grease off our hands between tasks and glancing up at the passing clouds. Another joy is finally sitting down to have coffee with a friend. The wild requires that we learn the terrain, nod to all the plants and animals and birds, ford the streams and cross the ridges, and tell a good story when we get back home.
-- Gary Snyder, The Practice of the Wild

(via)

Less than 48 hours until I arrive in Eureka, California. Getting really excited for warm reunions, cold nights & giant redwoods.

music from a tree

2009-07-16T13:38:00.001-05:00

Diego Stocco - Music From A Tree from Diego Stocco on Vimeo (via)

organizized

2009-07-15T11:44:00.002-05:00

One of these days, I'm gonna get organizized - Taxi Driver

Whoa Google, new task feature in Gmail? Shit, son.

Deer Tick at Waterloo Records

2009-07-14T09:02:00.018-05:00

"Dirty Dishes"

Saw these boys bring an intimate in-store to Waterloo Records last week. I have to say, these Deer Tick gents seem like really swell guys. It didn't hurt that they opened with a Springsteen cover, though. I got a little choked up over my free Shiner. I'm not gonna lie, bros singing harmonies just gets to me.

"La La La"

The Last Pale Light in The West

2009-07-11T12:57:00.005-05:00

Suggested Listening: The Last Pale Light in The West

Finally got around to checking out Ben Nichols' (of Lucero) solo album The Last Pale Light in The West, which he based on Cormac McCarthy's novel Blood Meridian. Really stripped down country feel & serious story telling. Love the album cover, too. Get into it.

104 degrees, again

2009-07-08T19:30:00.006-05:00

Suggested listening: The Drums - Let's Go Surfing

This brutal Austin heat seems to cause everything to slow down, which can be really nice.

Federico Fellini discusses perception & LSD

2009-07-07T23:11:00.005-05:00

Interview with Federico Fellini BBC circa 1965

"The man who comes back through the Door in the Wall will never be quite the same as the man who went out. He will be wiser but less sure, happier but less self-satisfied, humbler in acknowledging his ignorance yet better equipped to understand the relationship of words to things, of systematic reasoning to the unfathomable mystery which it tries, forever vainly, to comprehend." -- Aldous Huxley, The Doors of Perception

to the moon

2009-07-06T13:49:00.005-05:00

(more info via)

“For a moment of night we have a glimpse of ourselves and of our world islanded in a stream of stars – pilgrims of mortality, voyaging between horizons across the eternal seas of space and time.” Henry Beston, The Outermost House

sunday morning

2009-07-05T11:47:00.003-05:00

(via)

The Record Club (Beck & friends) have been releasing a series of Velvet Underground & Nico covers. I'm really digging this project. So far, this one's my favorite.

my new favorite

2009-07-02T23:26:00.004-05:00

(via )

Pretty sure we're both into dirt & having our hair brushed. Curious on whether Elizabeth the Austrian Mangalitza Gilt bahs or oinks. Both, preferably.

half-time: best albums of 2009, so far.

2009-06-30T19:00:00.006-05:00

(via)

I certainly haven't heard all 2009 has offered, but from what I have, these outshine the rest & hold their own as my fav albums of '09, so far. Click on links for A/V supplements.

20. Regina Spektor, Far -- been listening to "Folding Chair" lately & picturing myself on the beach.

19. Handsome Furs, Face Control -- Dan Boeckner's voice makes everything feel really urgent & edgy.

18. Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavilion -- tons of hipster buzz, but rightly so. Fun, inventive & psychedelic.

17. Harlem Shakes, Technicolor Health -- simple & upbeat with hand claps and layered vocals.

16. M. Ward, Hold Time -- Always a pleasure. Ward is truly master of his craft in what feels like the humblest, most genuine manner possible.

15. Sunset Rubdown, Dragonslayer -- weird and wonderful, prog-indie. Love the epic story and instrumental build up in the finished/produced version of "You Go On Ahead (Trumpet Trumpet II)."

14. Peter Bjorn & John, Living Thing -- a surprisingly sexed-up, infectious, dance-party pleaser.

13. Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band, Outer South -- evokes a sort of sentimental quality, like an old classic. The new ensemble is so well balanced. When it first came out I listened to "White Shoes" on repeat for a week solid.

12. Mos Def, Ecstatic -- I'm a sucker for his mellow, fluid rhyme tempo.

11. Deer Tick, War Elephant -- gritty & rough, laced with vulnerability & charm. Kind of like your favorite dive bar.

10. Dirty Projectors, Bitte Orca -- totally unique & refreshing. Far out, but accessible.

9. Black Moth Super Rainbow, Eating Us -- hypnotic.

8. The Felice Brothers, Yonder the Clock -- these hometown boys continue to amaze me with their folk-lore, ho-down, Americana music.

7. St. Vincent, Actor -- her voice is relaxing & enchanting, like a lovely little forest nymph.

6. Beirut, March of the Zapotec/ Holland -- my love for Beirut just keeps growing. This double album/EP may seem like contrasting focuses, but dude gets into it.

5. Various Artists, Dark Was The Night -- tell me what isn't awesome about this album? Heavyweight for sure.

4. Discovery, LP -- synthed, "space pop," side-project. Maybe I'm taking crazy pills, but I find it strangely undeniable.

3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs, It's Blitz! -- dance your face off. Girl's got attitude. Love this 'soft shock' remix, too.

2. Grizzly Bear, Veckatimest -- everyone is drooling. I'm no exception. It's even better live.

1. Dan Auerbach, Keep it Hid -- bluesy, rock. I've been listening to this album pretty regularly since like February & I'm still in awe. It's rugged, raw & really incredible.

californ-i-a

2009-06-30T01:10:00.005-05:00

(via)

Countdown 'til adventure: less than one month.

Excitement: absurd.

oatmeal raisin chocolate chip cookie recipe

2009-06-28T16:14:00.004-05:00

Cookies are delicious. Duh. And since your mom has a real job, it's probably time you learn how to make them for yourself. It takes about 30 minutes to mix & throw in your first batch, so pause this week's episode of Intervention. Get off of your couch & into the kitchen.

I basically use the recipe from the Quaker Oats website, which makes a hardy batch, so certainly downsize to suit yourself. You can refrigerate the cookie batter for a few days, but I'd try to use it within a week.

In a large mixing bowl, mix together:

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups apple sauce (recipe calls for vegetable shortening, but this works)
6 cups Quaker Oats
1 egg
3 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla
however many raisins & chocolate chips blow your skirt up*

Mix thoroughly so everything blends & turns into thick dough. Put spoon-sized clumps of dough on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350-degrees for approximately 15-minutes. They're going to look so awesome, but remember to let them cool down for a few before eating.

*When I told Sarah about my awesome cookies, she was like, "Eww, raisins!" Then I had to be all, "Hello, obviously."

Krause Springs

2009-06-28T15:42:00.003-05:00

Krause Springs - Spicewood, TX

Rolling Stones 'Hot Stuff'

2009-06-27T10:58:00.008-05:00

It's so hot in Austin right now.

Zach attack: my continued obsession with Beirut

2009-06-24T11:30:00.012-05:00

Zach Condon is a total dreamboat. Period. This opinion became fact to me when I had the pleasure of seeing Beirut perform at SXSW back in 2007 and felt my entire body go limp as a direct reaction to his nonchalant, brilliant performance.

I'm pretty sure Zach fits a variation of my 'perfect guy.' To me that guy embodies a child-like curiosity, zest for life, and an amazing talent. The best thing about Beirut's front man is that he comes off so disheveled in appearance and casual in essence, which allows him to seamlessly pull off the ultimate balance. I imagine that everyday with Zach would involve a whimsical exploration or a ruckus adventure. We'd spend afternoons bicycling around Brooklyn, talk about random cultural, quirky charms & nights sharing flasks on the subway, riding the carousel at Coney Island, and making up ridiculous songs on a drunken stumble home.

Zach Condon & Ed Droste (of Grizzly Bear)

Maybe it's the beautiful production of Beirut that takes me off on these daydreams. Seriously, do yourself a favor and listen to Beirut: Live at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. It's magical and offers some wonderful escapism. His cover of Serge Gainsbourg's 'La Javanaise' is absolutely delightful.

spring roll recipe

2009-06-23T22:17:00.004-05:00

yum

Spring rolls are one of my favorite summer specialties. They're delicious, filling & super easy to make. Plus they make for a great dinner party meal. You can definitely get tipsy & still pull off a messy, but totally tasty roll.

What you need: rice paper wrappers

Fill with chopped up pieces of (all ingredients optional): avocado, red pepper, scallion, shredded carrots, tofu, shrimp, crab, cellophane noodles, romaine, mango, peanut sauce, cucumbers, snap peas, cabbage, cilantro, etc.

Personally, I've always used romaine lettuce instead of the cellophane noodles, but that's just me. You can really do whatever you want with these. I usually mix up all the fillers with some peanut sauce to keep things together.

To prepare:
1. Dip rice paper in bowl of water. Fully emerge & let soak for 10-15 seconds.
2. Take paper out of water. It should be really slippery & pliable.
3. Put small handful-size portion of fillers in middle of rice paper.
4. Fold in three sides & roll away from you towards the fourth keeping fillers pocketed in paper.
5. Serve with peanut sauce.

Enjoy!

monday mix: summer solstice

2009-06-22T11:34:00.004-05:00

Patrick Winfield: Flower Study

Joanna Newsom 'The Sprout and The Bean'

2009-06-22T00:38:00.002-05:00

(via: Terri Timely)

back to basics

2009-06-20T15:22:00.006-05:00

"In nature every moment is new; the past is always swallowed and forgotten; the coming only is sacred. Nothing is secure but life, transition, the energizing spirit." -- Emerson

TOP ALBUMS WEEK or HOW SARAH TRICKED ME INTO BLOGGING

2009-03-09T10:21:00.043-05:00

For the record, compiling and narrowing my selections for this list was impossible. It's forever incomplete. I started and stopped for the sake of the showcase, and with consideration of the test of time (thus no really new albums). I left off The Beatles because, well, isn't that where we all start? For me they were certainly the jump off, but the following albums provide the definitive soundtrack to my life as I remember it best. Here we go, in chronological order pertaining to the life and times of yours truly.

janet., janet. - 1993

I'm a child of the 90's and, like most pre-teen girls I knew, I wanted to be a fly girl when I grew up (or at least have the option). This album was released around the same time I was learning the butterfly dance and going to pivotal sixth grade co-recs. Fast, sexy, dance tracks like "If" were perfect for all those group dance/trying to flirt situations. I really don't think anyone can deny how hot this album was and still is.

Weezer, (Blue Album) - 1994

With the exception of "Buddy Holly," I still appreciate this album IN FULL today as much as on the day I bought it. To me, "In the Garage" is one of the most uplifting, geek-pride songs of all time. Maybe it just reminds me of simple times, like when we'd go to the 24-hr diner in high school and play "The Sweater Song" on the individual, table-top jukebox. Having said that, can you really blame me?

Beck, Odelay - 1996

I saw Beck tour for this album at Roseland Arena in NYC with my Dad. It was the night after he'd performed on SNL with Kevin Spacey, who was there along with other cast members for the show. It was the first album I ever introduced to my father that he appreciated as much as I did. That felt kind of awkward at the time, but is really special in retrospect.Plus, it's one of the best albums EVER. I'm pretty sure I throw at least one song from this album on just about every iTunes playlist I make.

Beastie Boys, Paul's Boutique - 1989

I became a pretty die-hard Beastie Boys fan in high school. I was introduced to their albums out of order starting with License to Ill and Ill Communications, so when I heard this album for the first time, it completely blew my mind. For real, "B-Boy Bouillabaise" is still one of the most awe-inspiring medleys of all time. Who else could pull it off? Seriously.

Liz Phair, Exile in Guyville - 1993

By now I've really said it all. Liz Phair is/was a bad ass. It's really too bad she sold out, but it doesn't matter, I was hooked-in after my late discovery of Exile. "Strange Loop" is the story of my life. It's every girls life. It's the epitome of a good ol' "fuck you" to that guy who totally screwed you over, only the album sticks with you.

A Tribe Called Quest, Beats Rhymes & Life -1996

During summers in high school I worked part-time at TCBY and every week after I picked up my check I would go directly to Rhino Records to peruse their used CDs and adopt a few for my collection. I popped it into my rigged-up disc-man, turned up the bass, and hit the streets. Sun shining, windows down. To this day, this album always brings connotations of that initial taste and all those carefree high school summers.

Le Tigre, Le Tigre - 1999

I went to Brooklyn for Le Tigre's first show ever with my friend Evan. I think it was a school night and I was totally excited that my parent's trusted me and let me go. They played at a venue that felt more like a houseparty. I was shy and wide-eyed in awe of the whole scene. As everyone filtered out after the show, Evan was like, "Let's go meet Kathleen Hanna." I couldn't believe how simple it was to run an intro with someone I idolized. She is so super tiny and amazing. Riot Grrl 4 life! (Even though I'm kind of jealous she's married to Adam Horowitz.)

The Roots, Things Fall Apart - 1999

I'm pretty sure this was the soundtrack to the spring semester of my senior year of high school. I think no matter who's car I jumped into during that time, this album was playing. As graduation neared our blurry, late night hang outs often turned into sing-alongs of, "You Got Me" in anticipation of college and that whole end of an era feeling. Word up, Questlove.

Erykah Badu, Mama's Gun - 2000

I bought this album for the first boy I fell in love with. True story. When I traveled without him for a semester in Australia, I missed him like crazy and listened to it frequently with thoughts of him. So much so, that my bitchy roommate would be all, "Can we listen to something else?" and then she'd put on some awful, billboard top one-hundred crap. It's a real gushy, sentimental attachment I have to this album, but everyone has THAT album, right?

Belle & Sebastian, The Boy With the Arab Strap - 1998

I am no longer friends with the girl who introduced me to this album, but if I had to appreciate her for something, it would be this. (Thanks, bitch.) With the introduction through "Ease Your Feet into the Sea" (which is perfect for when you don't want to get up in the morning, but totally have to, so you turn on that song), Belle & Sebastian quickly became one of my favorite bands to cherish forever and ever. It was hard to choose an album for this list, but the title track to this album ALWAYS cheers me up, without fail. "We all know you're soft 'cause we've all seen you dancing. We all know you're hard 'cause we've all seen you drinking from noon until noon again." Fucking perfect!

Bob Dylan, Nashville Skyline - 1969

Two years ago I went home for Christmas without my iPod adapter and grabbed this album for tooling around in my parent's car. I have a fairly extensive collection of Bobby D. on my computer, and because of that I hadn't ever formed a relationship with ONE album of his in particular. It was my first Christmas pilgrimage home since relocating to Austin and "Girl from the North Country," had me all sorts of reflective. The whole album is so perfect I listened to it for a week straight and still love it. Always and forever.

Camera Obscura, Let's Get Out of This Country - 2006

So sweet. So smooth. So melodic. I listened to this continuously during my initial move south, so it was only natural. The title track felt like a narrative of my life at that exact moment. I got to Austin and was doing some day drinking, looking for a job, and spending a lot of time pool side contemplating. This album is just really nice and sort of retro, like your favorite episode of The Wonder Years. It feels good.

Bruce Springsteen, The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle - 1973

A lot of people find Bruce pretty cheesy and that's cool because he does play that game. More importantly, he WINS that game, and he's got other tricks. Bruce is an epic lyricist with loads of passion and he always delivers. "Incident on 57th Street" is a freaking novelette. Listen to it. He's a beautiful man with beautiful stories. Do yourself a favor and watch Hammersmith Odeon London 1975. Out of control.

Two Gallants, Two Gallants - 2007

Last winter I drove from Texas to Connecticut and back with my best friend. The trip was one of those epic adventures full of delirium and topped with an assortment of ridiculous nights of fun and mayhem. With lengthy days of endless driving, this album became our go-to as we belted along off-key over and over to their well-depicted, bitter tales of discontent and wandering, feeling at times as if their stories were our own. It's heavy stuff and makes for a really comforting road companion, for sure.

Click for list official participants & info on joining in!

east 5th street

2008-11-23T22:30:00.003-06:00

I just love this pairing I caught yesterday afternoon in front of Progress Coffee. I hope everyone made it out for some of the East Austin Studio Tour this weekend. The gloomy overcast weather was perfect for art-ing around town, and I was really happy to find myself living in the midst of such a thriving, quirky, little, artist community!

the greatest show on earth

2008-11-23T22:19:00.006-06:00

Friday November 21st at Stubb's in Austin, TX.

...and then my heart melted.

2008-11-21T18:14:00.005-06:00

I'm pretty sure that's how tomorrow's recollection of this monumental evening will sum up. For tonight is the night that The Felice Brothers and Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band team up for one hell of a showcase at Stubb's.

The Felice Brothers - Waterspider

Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band - I Got A Reason #1

photos by Annie Ray

2008-11-17T23:26:00.005-06:00

Over the past few weeks I've managed to get involved with a few local projects. I'm contributing to a couple of start-up magazines and interning with a new gallery. It's like I just created my own version of grad school, finally putting my undergrad work in journalism and art to use.

For the most part everything is a crazy whirlwind and I'm just trying to figure it out as I go along. Of course everything happened at once and my daily tasks had me recalling Christina Applegate's role in Don't Tell Mom the Babysitters Dead. You know, I was all, "I'm right on top of that, Rose," frantically figuring out how to be the hub of the communications department.

While deadlines are keeping me crazy, it's the perks that make it all worth while. Soon the rewards will be the whole seeing my name in print thing and getting paid. But for now, there's the joys of working with good friends and networking parties with free drinks & fun photo booths. Local photog, Annie Ray took these at Rare Magazine's grand opening event at Red River Flats last week.

seasonal reflections

2008-11-10T14:28:00.012-06:00

As the afternoons grow shorter, and the early evening drives us home to complete our chores, we are reminded of the shortness of life, and become more pensive, at least in this twilight of the year. We are prompted to make haste and finish our work before the night comes.

-- Henry David Thoreau, Journal

Months ago, when autumn fell upon the great northeast my mother met my request and mailed me a colorful collection of leaves from our front yard. She told me she picked a couple particularly pretty ones and soon found herself a half hour late for work with a bulging bag of deciduous droppings. Sometimes when the wind gusts through my window, the leaves will rustle on my dresser and a couple will dance softly to the floor.

We're finally experiencing a fall onset here in Austin. Today is a rare occurrence in that it's overcast. The fading colors and calm breeze creates an unequivocally comforting change. It's not quite the autumn of my childhood, but a pleasant variation all the same.

After the longest summer of my life, I've finally put away my summer shorts and am happily reunited with my favorite combination of jeans and t-shirts. I'm excitedly reintroducing boots and scarves into my everyday attire as they become increasingly appropriate accessories. And yes, I know, I live in Texas now, but my reality is still skewed by 24 years of long grueling winters.

Is it just me or does your musical appetite shift with the seasons?

!Obamanos!

2008-11-03T23:04:00.003-06:00

go VOTE. seriously.

a pumpkin perfect saturday

2008-10-25T18:13:00.002-05:00

that sh*t was bananas!

2008-10-24T16:47:00.007-05:00

Yesterday afternoon I witnessed the darnedest thing while driving home.

In my red light space out, I found myself admiring a good looking man at the corner to my right, mainly because he was dressed so originally in a midnight blue suit with a colorful button down peeking through. Sassy, yet sophisticated. It worked, for he totally won my attention without any further statement. Naturally, I watched him cross the street in front of me and took immediate notice of the traditionally dressed businessman crossing from the opposite direction, thinking what a contrast the two represented. Then something completely unexpected happened.

As they met in the median my boy in blue bumped into the businessman's briefcase, knocking it unhinged and releasing a bunch of loose bananas onto the ground! (I'm DEAD SERIOUS.) Before I could even process this strange occurrence it got even stranger. A man in a gorilla suit suddenly swooped in to collect the bananas and continued across the road and west on 15th Street.

This all happened during one red light.

As the light changed and I continued on my way, I couldn't quite wrap my brain around this random event. All I know is that I am so glad to have been a witness. How crazy is it that I found myself in attendance for such a private performance? I guess you know what they say, "Keep Austin weird."

it's all happening!

2008-10-19T23:58:00.008-05:00

"this is so great I had to share it with you" //an explodingdog image

In one big burst it seems so much has happened and my confused path has returned to goodness.

I think it all started when I impressed my mother by joining my local library, which is so awesome I don't know why I waited so long in the first place. Or maybe it was two weeks ago when I saw The Walkmen and was just four human bodies away from Hamilton Leithauser's sheer awesomeness? Let me just say for the record, that man is a tall drink of water.

Hamilton Leithauser being amazing

Whatever set this trend of good fortune, in a whole new and totally amazing turn of events it has somehow been confirmed that I am not a complete derelict. I am on my way to becoming an actual, legit writer. I was granted two new opportunities in the local scene that I have already begun working on! Very exciting.

So yeah guys, this page may suffer (boo) as a consequence, but will more likely become completely nonsensical to compensate for the actual writing I have to do. For instance, today's last minute, deadline-driven assignment writing a full feature on high-end shopping in Austin made this rambling entry so incredibly necessary to even the score.

OH and in the spirit of good cheer, this is so good my heart nearly exploded with glee when I found out -- Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band will be returning to Austin on November 21st to play at Stubb's with THE FELICE BROTHERS! Life is beautiful.

the femi-stache trend

2008-10-15T11:22:00.010-05:00

mommy's little hipster?

Moustaches are funny. Period. This is because in some cases they make people uncomfortable. To my knowledge, the moustache had it's hayday in the 80's and has since been the making of jokes, dares and bets between friends. Lately the moustache has seemed to gain attention as an ironic trend for guys, and now it seems I keep hearing about how ladies are getting in on the joke.

I have to admit I'm no stranger to the phenomenon, though I didn't recognize it's scope. I had no idea how big of a trend I was participating in when I recently went to a moustache and fedora party. But shortly thereafter I read an article in Nylon Magazine that brought my attention to a site dedicated to the fingerstache and moustache necklaces, like the one pictured below (my favorite from their showcase).

the ringmaster // ach ach liebling

Last week sarahspy noted the moustache trend in her weekend round up noting that runway models have been sporting this accessory right up on THEIR FACES (WTF!?!). Now my roommate will tell you that it's a confidence booster. She barely hesitated to bring sharpie to face for the party we attended, while I opted for the fingerstache. But I kinda wish I'd thought of this:

that's just classy

I guess this would be a good time to confess that there is currently a face-level moustache on the full length mirror my roommate and I share. Trend or not, it's just funny.

rethinking

2008-10-14T01:55:00.000-05:00

landscape architecture by Gustafson Porter

As I've randomly stumbled upon these various projects, I've become fascinated and inspired by what I see as a central theme of environmental (political and social, not just trees and flowers) knowledge, forward thinking and resourceful creativity. I've been encompassed by these ideas, especially considering the political and economic climate that seems to create a disconnect between people and the big picture, and thought I would gather some of the more compelling components to share here.

"To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness... And if we do act, in however small a way, we don't have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory." -Howard Zinn

"We have the concept of throwing something away, but in reality, we're just tossing it over our shoulder and forgetting about it," says David Chameides. "It wouldn't be so funny if it was really just in your backyard."

discarded cellphones
Chris Jordan Photography: Intolerable Beauty - Portraits of American Mass Consumption

the skipwaste project

photos of the Danish Island of Samso, which is 100% sustainable

In Samso, "100% of their electricity comes from wind power. Everyone on the island owns a turbine or is a share holder in some turbines and on top of the domestic turbines, they have an offshore windfarm. 70% of the island’s heat comes from solar power and biomass energy, and they are working to get that up to 100%."

"hang in there" via hunter made it

Marfa, Texas

2008-10-06T22:59:00.010-05:00

go west

Vizcaino Park

flowing fields of the Chinati Foundation

portions of Donald Judd's 15 untitled works in concrete

grazing antelope & the "Monument to the Last Horse"

a weekend wonderland: ACL recap

2008-09-30T00:00:00.020-05:00

The thing about these Austin music festivals is that there is always so much going on! Free shows, parties, ticket giveaways, after-after shows, promos galore and oh yeah, that three day festival. What I've found is that these events are really just a calculated game of selectivity. Of course there is no one way to play, but I'm pretty sure I won big this year by scoring a last minute ticket to Sunday night's after show at La Zona Rosa with M. Ward, Jenny Lewis & Conor Oberst.

Friday
I played it safe by opting for The Cool Kids performance at the Mohawk and avoiding the festival altogether. They have a really unique, dance inducing, fun sound. Their beat heavy songs give them an old school hip-hop sound, which is reinforced by rhymes about sneakers, Sega, bikes, and their keen fashion sense. Make no mistake though, The Cool Kids deliver. We knew to strategically plant ourselves front and center for the inevitable dance party. A solid set for sure. I'm excited to see/hear how these guys develop as I predict some serious stardom.

Saturday
We eased into the festival just in time to park ourselves on a friend's blanket for Erykah Badu's laid back set. Her attendance at this years festival was a big draw for me. I spun Badu in heavy rotation throughout my high school and college years. Inevitably her music is highly reminiscent of those glory days. I find her style to be consistently uplifting and poetic. Her performance at ACL was no exception, a sweet breeze on a hot and lazy afternoon.

While most of my friends scurried off to catch MGMT on the other side of the park, I stuck to my gut and camped out for Conor Oberst and Beck who both performed at the AT&T stage, respectively. I heard MGMT was a good set, but super crowded. Regardless, we scored a great spot for Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band who performed a beautiful showcase, which was accented perfectly by the setting sun. Not to mention Conor was absolutely charming in his blue suit. I'm kind of in love, but who isn't? I got on the Oberst train a little late in the game and while I find his earlier emo-tales to be heart-wrenching and endearing, I have to say I'm really digging the good-time jams and energy of the Mystic Valley Band. Conor seems all grown up with a renewed confidence and charismatic stage presence. He seemed really relaxed, especially when he encouraged the crowd to sing and dance everyday (aw!).

Here's a new song - so new it's not even on the new album:

"10 Women"

Beck was the night's headlining act and as we remained stationed on our blanket for the break between sets, we were thankful for our forward thinking as we sprawled out in our lush spot watching the crowd swarm into every possible crevice available. My love for Beck goes way back to Mellow Gold. I was lucky to catch him during his epic Odelay tour and I think it's safe to say not much has changed. He was ahead of the curve then, and he still is. He's an amazing, multifaceted musician. The night ended about fifteen minutes ahead of schedule, which was a disappointment for sure, but the show was still incredible. Beck threw down hits spanning all of his major releases, and dude played TWENTY-TWO songs, seamlessly. I was bummed about the shortened set, but I was really happy with all of his selections.

The "Hell Yes" remix was definitely a crowd favorite:

Sunday
I don't know why I slacked on purchasing a ticket for the La Zona Rosa aftershow, but somehow relying on scalpers to compensate for my indecision worked out just fine. (Plus I was really proud of myself for scalping a ticket and cutting through bullshit all on my own!) Though I feared fraud as I waited in line, I had no problems. I met my friends from Houston as M. Ward took the stage. The only song I really knew was "Chinese Translation," but it was a really sweet, mellow set with his finger-picking guitar riffs. David Rawlings and Gillian Welch accompanied him on stage for his last few songs, which became a theme for the night.

Jenny Lewis came out next. I'm a big fan of early Rilo Kiley and I was on the fence about what to expect from this performance. She really brought it home with some sultry blues songs mixed with a few soft acoustic, folk numbers and a back up band that suited her very nicely. I hadn't listened to much of her new solo release, Acid Tongue, prior to the show, but I'm definitely getting into it now.

"Acid Tongue"

Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band delivered a dynamic show. Their sound was full and rambunctious. Like a true gentleman, Oberst was humble and courteous with the crowd, persistently thanking his adoring fans for coming out despite the exhaustive weekend. I was mesmerized as Conor danced around the stage and awestruck as they launched into a cover of Dylan's "Corrina, Corrina." The M.V.B. proves to be a quality ensemble and I'm quite sure each man hold his own. There is obviously a lot of respect and kinship on stage. It works. Their vibe and energy is contagious. I was so captivated by the performance that I found myself clapping incessantly for the encore. It was an involuntary reaction. Conor came back and closed the show slowing it down and playing a few duets with M. Ward.

"O'Brien/O'Brien's Nocturne"

The best part, or maybe what made the show so magical, was the aura it emitted. It all felt really sweet and intimate to see all these musicians join together and share one night. It's natural enough as they're all of the extended Saddle Creek family and friends, but it set the tone of a family affair, a special holiday in a far off cabin. I say cabin because of the consistent presence of Americana/folk/rock that my mind associates with rural settings and simple living. Not to mention the ever-present abundance of flannel and denim. Obviously intoxicated by the night's show, I later told a friend I wanted to meet a lumberjack with an amazing iPod mix and a library card. Hey, ya never know.

picture perfect, ACL

2008-09-29T13:02:00.008-05:00

My ACL weekend went a little something like this:

Friday night @ The Mohawk

Belaire

Chuck // The Cool Kids

Mikey // The Cool Kids

Pants Party @ Paloma & Leah's

Saturday @ ACL

Erykah Badu // photo: TK

Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band // photo: TK

Beck

Sunday night @ La Zona Rosa

Jenny Lewis & Friends

Conor Oberst (the most beautiful, slightly ugly boy in the whole world)

East End 4th Friday Celebrations

2008-09-26T17:00:00.008-05:00

I won't be making it to this month's East End 4th Friday, but I just couldn't sit on this information! So here it is, all you need to know about DiverseArt's 4th Friday's. Straight from my inbox to you, the event press release...

This Month at East End Fourth Fridays

Who: DiverseArts Culture Works in collaboration with participating East End Businesses
What: Live music, food, vending and kids programming at East End Fourth Fridays!
Where: East 11th Street from Branch to Navasota @ Angelina
When: September 26th and each fourth Friday through fall
Cost: Free children's activities from 6 to 8 PM. $5 cover for the live music beginning at 8 PM (no charge for children under 12).

DiverseArts is pleased to announce AFROFREQUE, the headliner for September's East End Fourth Fridays! Afrofreque's sophisticated mix of jazz, hip hop, electronica, and traditional African rhythm influences, combine to make a truly original sound. Born right here in Austin, this group can play some of the best soulful hip hop beats around that will make you get your funk on. Their crowd conscious grooves will inspire you to explore layers of sound and soul. Also playing this month is one of Austin's favorite spoken word/improvisational, funk-jazz-groove-noise collective, word/jazz Low Stars. This group will get your spoken word juices flowing. So come join us for two great live music performances you won't forget!

As always, children will have free activities just for them at the East End Fourth Friday Kid’s Corner including free books, an arts and crafts table, fun with group painting, and more. Join us this September and enjoy arts vendors, barbeque, refreshments courtesy of Live Oak Brewery, and live music. We invite you to explore the East End and discover some of the new businesses and old favorites that help make this district a unique and diverse place in Austin.

Austin’s East End Fourth Fridays! is a unique art and culture-driven, monthly community-oriented event developed by DiverseArts to showcase the very specific cultural attributes and historical identity of Austin’s East End – the Soul in the heart of the City. The East End has been recognized by the City of Austin as an African-American Cultural Heritage District, and East End Fourth Fridays! helps showcase this cultural legacy for the benefit of the community. In partnership with neighborhood artists and businesses, cultural, civic, commercial, and governmental groups, this monthly event is designed to bring a relaxed, communal, open-air art and culture experience to the newly revitalized East End.

It’s an open house in the East End and along East 11th Street! Sample food and drink at established and new venues, take in the headline concerts and bring the kids to enjoy the East End Kid’s Corner at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, and check out art vendors, organizations, and sponsors doing PR and public outreach. DiverseArts wishes to bring visitors from the neighborhood and the Austin area to see the unique cultural and historic aspects of the East End. We hope to establish East End Fourth Fridays! as a holistic, community-based marriage of culture and commerce, and we can't do it without your support! So come and join us, your feelow Austinites, and people from all places, for this monthly event!

Other participating East Austin Businesses...

Ben’s BBQ NEW
900 East 11th
Austin, TX 78702
Live music

Texas Music Museum
1009 East 11th
Austin, TX 78702

ProArts Collective
1009 East 11th Suite 100
Austin, TX 78702

Harriet’s Antiques NEW
1000 East 11th st
Austin, TX 78702
Open

Urdy’s Plaza NEW
Across from Ms B’s
Art/craft vendors

Primizie
1715 East 6th
Austin, TX 78702
Happy hour, dinner, patio

Ms B’s
1000 east 11th
Austin, TX 78702
Happy hour, dinner, patio, live music

Bydee Art Gallery
1050 East 11th
Austin, TX 78702
Open

Victory Grill
1104 East 11th
Austin, TX 78702
Live music, open late, new mural viewing

Blue Dahlia
1115 East 11th
Austin, TX 78702
Dinner, patio, live music

Kenny Dorham’s
1106 East 11th
Austin, TX 78702
Kids activities, music, food, drinks, art vendors

Long Branch Inn
1133 East 11th
Austin, TX 78702
Happy hour, full bar, pool table, jukebox, late night

East End Crafts Gallery
1101 Navasota St.
Austin, TX 78702
Artisans & entertainment outdoors @ 11th @wheeless

Gene’s PoBoys
1209-A East 11th
Austin, TX 78702
Open for dinner, patio, daily specials

Snake Eyes Vinyl NEW
1101 Navasota St.
Austin, TX 78702
Record, CD, music, lifestyle retail

Soma Vida NEW
1210 Rosewood Ave.
Austin, TX 78702
Open late, live music, free massages, discounts, children’s play room & more

East Side Pies
1401-B Rosewood Ave.
Austin, TX 78702
Patio, open late

Trailer Space Records
1401-A Rosewood Ave.
Austin, TX 78702
New music store next doors to ESP

Carver Culture Center NEW
1165 Angelina St.
Austin, TX 78702
Open late, live gospel music on the “back porch”

and so it begins: ACL 2008

2008-09-24T11:24:00.014-05:00

photo: Adam Gomez

There are admittedly a lot of good acts coming to town this week, but having weathered the storm for the past two years, I'm opting out in favor of after parties. The Paste & Rolling Stone sponsored events look promising. I'm really interested in seeing The Cool Kids perform Friday night at the Mohawk (Rolling Stone show) if that works out.

"Introducing The Cool Kids"

I'm still pondering a last minute Saturday day pass and kicking myself in the ass for waiting too long to purchase tickets for the Conor Oberst, Jenny Lewis & M. Ward show at La Zona Rosa, so if you have the hook up PLEASE drop me a line.

autumn harvest

2008-09-19T16:35:00.003-05:00

they call it "foliage"

I could save this playlist for Monday, the first official day of Autumn, but it just feels so fitting with this week's cold front. By Monday the temperature will surely return to norms in the 90s and this feeling of faux-fall will have all been a tease. So let's pretend while we can.

skitter scatter

2008-09-19T14:07:00.019-05:00

This past week has been wonderfully refreshing. We're talking windows open and cool breezes lofting through the house. An unbelievably amazing contrast to the exaggerated presence of summer's oppressive heat. Not to mention Monday night's Ratatat show and all the beauty of the full moon. SO GOOD.

This footage from the show at Stubb's gives you the gist of the evening. It may seem a little eh at the beginning, but it picks up and straight SHREDS at 00:45. I mean, they had the lights goin', smoke blowin' and a crowd just EATING IT UP. Incredible.

In addition to the liberation of being able to dance at a show without leaving looking like a sea creature, the weather has helped me slow down and reevaluate. The months have been flying by and overwhelming me with all sorts of unexpected twists and turns: trips to NY and NOLA, career moves, new projects, yadda yadda, blah blah blah. Enough already. Give me a mustache and a beer and let's slow this ship down.

(via Certified Random)

why is it that bubbles make this video funny and maybe, just maybe, slightly less creepy?

There's a lot of great music coming to town over the next few weeks. I guess Austin City Limits will be the big deal, but I'm not even sure I'll make it out there. My experience is that it's kind of a shit show. I'd like to check out Erykah Badu and Beck's performances on Saturday, but I'm going to play it by ear and see what happens.

Honestly, I'm way more hyped about The Walkmen playing at The Parish next month and the new season of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Maybe it's an early onset of winter hibernation. Bring it on.

The Walkmen - Red Moon

I have to say The Walkmen's new album, You & Me, is absolutely beautiful. My friends at The Sound of Marching Feet recently posted this performance of "In The New Year" that prompted me to immediately buy my tickets. Hamilton Leithauser somehow manages to make all that screaming seem completely relaxing. How is that even possible?

those eco-savvy gnomes know everything

2008-09-12T11:12:00.015-05:00

am I too tall to live like a gnome?

A Low Impact Woodland Home is an inspirational example of a dream come true. It shares the tale of a family in Wales that constructed this beautiful home to fulfill their goal of a low-cost, permaculture lifestyle. What they lacked in previous carpentry experience they compensated for with perseverance, and they documented their story step by step as a resource for us all.

"The house was built with maximum regard for the environment and by reciprocation gives us a unique opportunity to live close to nature. Being your own (have a go) architect is a lot of fun and allows you to create and enjoy something which is part of yourself and the land rather than, at worst, a mass produced box designed for maximum profit and convenience of the construction industry. Building from natural materials does away with producers profits and the cocktail of carcinogenic poisons that fill most modern building."

The concept and execution of such a project is truly fascinating. In a culture so increasingly and apparently inescapably dependent on fossil fuels, their story is a refreshing contrast that reminds us of the basic necessities in life.

I'm so infatuated with this adorable true story and equally breathtaking house (as well as similar houses built with the same conscience) that I went to bed consumed by my own Thoreau-esque fantasies, only to have an unexpected epiphany that David The Gnome was right all along! Oh man, that was SUCH a great show!

The World of David The Gnome

It's TOTALLY Transcendentalism for kids! Aaaaand I love it. Maybe I should have had a tree house when I was young, because now my aspirations are that of gnome-life.

Related Posts:

modern minimalism

paying it forward

2008-09-11T17:43:00.007-05:00

Earlier this week SARAHSPY graciously sent me a Dylan Discography compiled by the guys at Don't Think Twice, It's All Right. Their page is a terrific resource which I'm glad has been brought to my attention, and I was so delighted by all the sharing and caring that I just had to spread the word. Enjoy!

street shots: NOLA

2008-09-10T22:25:00.006-05:00

my first hurrication

2008-09-07T12:48:00.012-05:00

After hosting some friends during their hurrication from Gustav last week, Margaret and I took the unexpected opportunity to follow them back for an impromptu visit to New Orleans. Being from the land of snowstorms and hibernation, I'm intrigued by the trials and tribulations of hurricane season. Giving into our curiosity, we took to the streets of the French Quarter to mingle with locals and gain a first hand account of the city's morale.

Last weekend's mandatory evacuation caused a clusterfuck of contraflow exiting the gulf, which has seemingly left citizens with mixed reviews. While the government's response was successful, the storm slowed down to a category two hurricane once reaching the gulf. The physical damage to New Orleans appears minimal. Previously flawed infrastructures were expectantly the most susceptive to Gustav's wrath, but the most notable impact is the massive power outage, which has left some without electricity for days and/or weeks to come.

The outage has given the presence of the Army Corps a lengthened purpose as the city has imposed curfew to deter mischief. However, some might argue that the men in uniform are preoccupied hanging out and flirting with locals.

Like millions of evacuees, my friends left New Orleans last Saturday night packed in their car with two dogs and a cat to embark on a miserable, crawling, twenty hour car ride to Austin. Residents have been vocal about their frustrations with the evacuation. Bar-side conversations yesterday consistently turned into individual recounts of horror stories resulting in a common conclusion apprehensive of future warnings. In this immediate aftermath, the event appears to many as a fire drill to compensate for the epic governmental failures of Katrina.

emergency meals dispersed during power outage by the Red Cross

There's no doubt that New Orleans houses a special breed. For some reason every time I visit I am strangely reminded of the movie Big Fish. There is something inescapably enchanting about this city, from the colorful characters nestled into mundane storefronts to the overgrown subtropical plants sprouting through and bringing life to cracks and crevices of dilapidated buildings. I think it is that same unique contrast that spills into a culture that refuses to surrender in the face of adversity.

Annie, get your wok?

A recent discussion with a friend of mine questioned the habitability of New Orleans. He said that instead of evacuating countless times, people should take a cue to permanently relocate to less threatened locations. I argued that such a concept seems anti-American. Heritage, pride, and tradition have always trumped practicality.

Now the city's focus is on the next tropical storm destined for the gulf shores, Ike. What happens next is anyone's guess. One thing that is for certain is the strength of a society which continues to withstand despite the odds. For a city in the throws of uncertain weather and impending catastrophe, no one seems bitter. There is an overwhelming presence of community that unites and strengthens individuals with each shared experiences, and that's a beautiful occurrence.

another chapter

2008-09-04T16:49:00.009-05:00

Today I sat in the park and read my roommate passages from Emerson's essay on The Over-Soul. It sounds awfully romantic, but I assure you we felt pretty silly as sunbathers around us perused the pages of Star and US Weekly. I should have paid more attention to that memo on inappropriate reading material.

I picked up mid-essay and obliged to Margaret's request for me to read her something inspiring.

The soul knows only the soul; the web of events is the flowing robe in which she is clothed.
After it's own law and not by arithmetic is the rate of its progress to be computed. The soul's advances are not made by gradation, such as can be represented by motion in a straight line, but rather by ascension of state, such as can be represented by metamorphosis.

To me, this reinforces the importance of change and progression as constants in life. I think that's a critical consideration as we often become complacent in routines and forfeit our dreams for fear of challenge. I identify with this through and through, as I suppose my current standing is at the crossroads.

I recently left my waitressing gig. I deduced it to be somewhat counterproductive considering the expense of the daily drive and the lackluster of it all. A girl's got to stay focused, right?

who orders a flat white?

This past weekend marked my two year anniversary with Austin, Texas. That's sort of an odd accomplishment to me, as my move here was the product of a whim. The fact that I've remained is purely circumstantial. It just happened. I'm as surprised as anyone, but I have no plans to drift elsewhere just yet.

"Adventure is just bad planning." - Roald Amundsen

My anniversary did have me feeling a little reflective. A quick tally revealed that since arriving, I've moved three times, lived with ten different roommates, and held a handful of jobs. I suppose that's on par with my alternate plan of joining the Peace Corps.

Somehow in retrospect each move and shift has felt like a natural progression, which leaves me interested to see how this new chapter writes itself. I'll just have to wait and see.

smokey summer nights

2008-08-28T01:45:00.003-05:00

I went to the hot sauce festival for the Honey (Bears)

2008-08-27T11:55:00.008-05:00

Approximately 10,000 sweaty Austinites took to Waterloo Park on Sunday for the 18th Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival. Given my new convenient proximity to downtown, I was happy to stumble on over to check out the scene. Personally, I found the tasting lines to be way out of hand, but to be honest I wasn't there for the hot sauce. I was there for the smooth, satisfying, rhythm & blues of Austin's own Black Joe Lewis & The Honey Bears.

"Doing the Funk"

The Honey Bears headlined the musical portion of the festival and KILLED IT. Their straight forward, heavy, blues-funk is so tight that the appeal is universal. I saw a frat boy try to buy a Natalie Merchant tour shirt off the back of a homeless man, straight up. That's just interesting. Surprisingly, the business transaction was denied! Why? Because the homeless dude was too busy gettin' DOWN. And although frat boy was noticeably disappointed, he was totally understanding as he boogied back to his little click.

Their modern-day Motown sound is reminiscent of the greats and suitably they list their influences as James Brown, The Bar-Kays, Sam & Dave, and Bo Diddley. This amateur footage I found from the show doesn't quite do justice for the audio (or visuals), but I was there in the flesh and they brought it.

"I Don't Mind"

I previously caught Black Joe Lewis, et al opening for The Hold Steady as well as Man Man, so allow me to testify that their shit is consistent. Be sure to check them out if you haven't. They'll be playing ACL next month before leaving town to tour with Okkervil River.

Treat yourself and stream a sample of Black Joe Lewis & The Honey Bears' album HERE.

another monday mix

2008-08-25T11:44:00.002-05:00

like coffee in your cup

East Coastin' - Part 5

2008-08-21T15:39:00.011-05:00

DAYS 10 & 11: Philadelphia, PA via Chinatown, NY

I reluctantly woke early with Sarah to engage in the madness of rush hour on the subway, which was just short of a panic attack given the additional weight and girth I was bearing with my cumbersome pack on my back. I avoided eye contact with fellow commuters, stayed towards the front of the train as much as possible, and thankfully it was all over pretty quickly. I climbed the stairs up to East Broadway fighting the gravitational pull of my massive backpack and entered the stinky streets of Chinatown to find my bus to Philadelphia in a state of mild confusion.

"You're going to get off the subway onto East Broadway. Ask someone which way to the bus. They will know what you're talking about. Then just walk a few blocks and someone will see that you are white and have luggage, and will stop you to sell you a bus ticket."

Sarah promised it would be easy enough, and strangely that's EXACTLY how it went down. PLUS it only cost $10!! That's almost as good as when we were charged $5 for two espresso drinks the previous day on account of our barista's laziness. No complaints here.

Oddly, as my bus exited the city I couldn't stop watching the Statue of Liberty as it shifted across the horizon of my window. I found myself completely intrigued by it and as the commuters around me drifted off to sleep for the duration of the two hour trek to Philly, no doubt in their routine commute, I recalled my uncle bringing me to the Statue when I was no more than seven yrs old and how I tried to count all the steps up to the observation deck of her gigantic torch.

The bus dropped us off in Philly and I quickly caught a cab. I was beyond relieved by the fact that the schlepping of bags was in it's final throw. When I made it back to the DeMedio's I felt a sense of home. In a calming state of solitude I was glad to relax and recount the whirlwind of events thrashing around in my overwhelmed mind. It's a beautiful thing to go home, and I'm very lucky to have acquired various elements of whatever "home" is in multiple locations.

Philadelphia has grown on me tremendously since I lived there. Despite it's understandable reputation as filth-adelphia, there are pockets and neighborhoods that feel so warm and inspirational.

farmers' market at South Street & Passyunk Ave.

fire station mural on South Street

mosaics off South Street

the quaint urban/country feel of old city & queen village is beautiful

the Irish Memorial at Penn's Landing

Consistent with the best moments in life, I found my time out east went all too quickly. I'm sure my mind is still unraveling the course of events and sentimental details which made this trip a rejuvenating and grounding retreat, so let me just say thanks to everyone for the memories and accommodations. Let's do it again in December.

East Coastin' - Part 4

2008-08-21T13:52:00.007-05:00

DAY 9: Brooklyn, NY

I'm definitely glad to have had the opportunity to get into the city while I was out east. Having grown up with frequent holiday visits and every imaginable field trip possible into Manhattan, it's easy to lose appreciation for that which is so accessible.

I met Sarah at the Port Authority in NYC and we trucked back to her Brooklyn apartment with a loose agenda for seeing something "artsy and cultural" per my request. When the exhaustive task of schlepping my bags in the midday heat deterred us from our original plans of making it to the Museum of Modern Art before close, we opted to keep it quirky and stay in BK for the night.

our waiter at Zaytoons was like an urban gypsy

oh, snap!

approaching McCarren Park at dusk

Twelve Ophelia's at McCarren Pool

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

East Coastin' - Part 3

2008-08-18T13:43:00.004-05:00

DAYS 7 & 8: Stanhope, NJ

Happy 50th, Dad!

East Coastin' - Part 2

2008-08-14T11:31:00.013-05:00

Home, sweet home: New Paltz, NY

Since moving away almost two years ago, New Paltz has become my favorite vacation spot. I think you have to step away from something to gain an honest perspective. Being so far away makes it simple to appreciate New Paltz for all it's quirk, charm and beauty.

As far as I'm concerned, my hometown is up there as one of the greatest places going. I'm biased of course, with sentimental attachments galore, BUT my little pride and joy has in fact been recognized by some legit sources.

In 2006, Outside Magazine's feature on "Best Outside Towns" listed New Paltz among the top twenty towns in which America's adventure athletes choose to live.

"The community of climbers here is like a family; everybody's supportive," raves Ivan Greene, part-time resident and five-time Northeast climbing champ. "It's lost in time. And in fall, it's the most beautiful place on the planet."

Agreed.

National Geographic Adventure ran a similar feature in 2007, polling the "50 Best Places to Live & Play," with New Paltz categorized in the top ten mountain towns.

I guess I feel the compulsion to share this information because a large portion of the country forgets that there is more to New York than a city. You may be surprised to learn that while I am from the great state of New York, I am hardly a city girl, in fact at this very moment there sits a large backhoe in my parent's drive way. Real talk.

my mom always made me wear red clothes,
due to my tendency to sloppily indulge mid-pick

For a handful of years when I was little, my parents hosted Thanksgiving for both sides of the family at our house and I remember my great-grandmother fussing about us living "out in the wilderness", as if we were camping out with Thoreau. Not quite.

main street

The other day my friend Sarah told me about a conversation she recently had which resulted in an attempt to clearly define the term "crunchy" as a way to describe a person, place, or thing, in addition to edibles.

To me, the word is synonymous with the stereotypical Hudson Valley lifestyle. Crunchy is to New Paltz as Guido is to the Jersey shore.

Urban Dictionary defines Crunchy:

Adjective. Used to describe persons who have adjusted or altered their lifestyle for environmental reasons. Crunchy persons tend to be politically strongly left-leaning and may be additionally but not exclusively categorized as vegetarians, vegans, eco-tarians, conservationists, environmentalists, neo-hippies, tree huggers, nature enthusiasts, etc.

In contrast to the rural atmosphere of NP, there is a very present urban influence which comes from the proximity between Albany & NYC, which provides a nice accent and quirk. Basically, it's a silly little melting pot which I'm sure helped cultivate my senses by exposure to all sorts of characters. Very little shocks me these days.

let's get comfortable, bro

Needless to say I have a huge crush on my hometown and everything it has to offer. So, obviously it felt great to enjoy a week long stretch back home with scenic views and great friends.

* * *

rest assured, there will be more East Coastin' coming soon

East Coastin' - Part 1

2008-08-10T10:39:00.015-05:00

I just returned from a wonderful little trip to the great northeast. For ten days I reveled in a geographical culture and transit system that inherently makes the most sense to me. There really is nothing that compares to going home. A big burst of fresh air, in some of the dirtiest cities around.

DAY ONE: Austin to Philadelphia, and a little slice of New Jersey

The entire trip was the product of last minute planning, so I was beyond excited when my friends in Philly said that not only could I stay with them after arriving in the "City of Brotherly Love," but that they demanded I join them for the first in a series of Springsteen shows at the Meadowlands. Unbelievable.

I shared the news of my good fortune with a friend back home, who replied with, "I don't know if you're rich or lucky, but either way I'm pretty sure I hate your guts." I see her point. I think I fall in the crossroads, in that I feel rich with luck.

In a series of train rides north from Philly, I looked out my window at flickering scenes of defunct industrial plants, swamps, graffiti murals, and abandoned junkyards of Jersey. The gritty factories and alley views of my journey provided a suitable primer for Springsteen's lyrical tales of the flawed working man, ghost towns, and of course the notorious tri-state area.

After my introspective solo travel, I was overwhelmed by culture shock once my friends picked me up and the pace of events shot into high-gear in route to Giant's Stadium. It was refreshingly hilarious and stereotypical of everything Jersey. Fast talk and authentic pizza passed through the car as we entered the flood of fans tail gating in the stadium lot. The show was an explosive display that brought 60,000 fans to their feet. I was shocked by the reciprocated stamina of crowd and performers. It was amazing.

DAY TWO: Philadelphia to New Paltz

I awoke to stumble around my old stomping grounds in the Old City and Queens Village neighborhoods of east central Philadelphia. I sincerely miss the accessibility of a walking city, but in contrast that day's mission was to find a rental and drive home to New Paltz to surprise my father on his 50th birthday.

The best part of the three hour drive was surfing upon 101.5 and their Jersey Guys' talk show. It's always great when a notorious stereotype reinforces itself. Their topic du jour was the heated tension between Staten Island and the Jersey Shore ignited by Belmar New Jersey Mayor Ken Pringle. It was beyond hilarious to listen to actual Jersey residents calling in to argue the definition of "guido".

Oh, and my father was 100% flabbergasted at the site of me. It was great.

DAY THREE: New Paltz

I went to my favorite breakfast place in town and saw my favorite band, The Felice Brothers! Since they actually live in New Paltz, it's nothing out of the ordinary, but I was awe struck. My dining partner/best friend was baffled by my nervousness, as these boys assume the identity of totally normal townies. I was a mess. Love does funny things to a girl.

it was just like this, only with forks and plates

* * *

To be continued . . .

a dry erase board that speaks to my soul

2008-07-31T15:13:00.010-05:00

"The soul of a journey is liberty, perfect liberty, to think, feel, do as one pleases."

- William Hazlitt (1778 - 1830)
{image captured at Bacchus Restaurant, New Paltz, NY}

Lake Minnewaska State Park, New Paltz, NY

long walk home

2008-07-28T22:50:00.011-05:00

My great "surprise" adventure started yesterday! I left Austin bright and early to embark on quite a day of travel: a flight to Philadelphia, three trains up through Jersey and a car ride on over to Giant's Stadium to tailgate for Springsteen with the DiMedio's and Jersey's finest fans.

the city of intense humidity

30th street station

rain is a beautiful accessory to train rides

the new Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band album is VERY good

I've decided to travel by train more often

Met's take first place!

this is what i look like after twelve hours of travel & one rum and coke

happily waitin' for the boss man

when 10th avenue freeze-out starts the show, you know it's serious

the crowd ate it up for 3 1/2 hours

Extra! Extra!

2008-07-28T22:26:00.006-05:00

In Which You Look Like You're Losing A Piece of Your Soul

by Jessica Skinner

I was recently invited to contribute to This Recording, one of my favorite and most frequented blogs. Check it out!

my semi-inappropriate anthem du jour

2008-07-17T14:16:00.009-05:00

Consistent with my shameless love for Wu-Tang and my prideful New York roots, I have recently been awed by Ratatat's synthed out, electro-hop "Stomp Remix," featuring Young Buck, TI, The Game & Ludacris. Wow, what a roster, right?

While the original version of "Stomp" isn't really my cup of tea, the remix jacks-up all of the collaborator's high-points tenfold and polishes it off with Ratatat's signature overcoat of fun-inducing hip-hop/electro beats. Ratatat's sound is so tight that the duo (Mike Stroud and Evan Mast) manage to even out and earn the ridiculousness of the original track's lyrical content. Face it, if the beat's good enough, it doesn't really matter what nonsense is being boasted about.

For my taste, the lyrical bling of this remix only contributes to my feeling of self-satisfaction as I humorously bump it on the mean (or rather, clean?) streets of Austin whenever I feel the urge. While I am easily amused and often feel the urge, I know moderation is key with any of life's pleasures. So I try to refrain from overindulgence and save it only for the most appropriate of occasions:

No milk for my cereal? Stomp

Why is there an empty o.j. in the fridge? I gots to Stomp!

Cut off in traffic? Holy STOMP!

Gas at 4.00/gal?? STOMP!!

Drunk History is hilariously intoxicating

2008-07-16T15:29:00.004-05:00

The third volume of Drunk History continues to raise the bar of my expectations for the intoxicating Funny or Die series. The premise is win-win, the storyteller gets plastered and colorfully recounts a historical event for the viewers mis-educated enjoyment. I just might have to try this at home!

For this particular production Jen Kirkman drank a bottle and a half of wine and dropped some loosely coherent knowledge, all the while battling her incessant hiccups, which she struggles with for the duration of the short film. The real kicker is the "Trapped in a Closet"-esque character performance synced to Kirkman's drunken delivery. CLASSIC.

The Tale of Oney Judge

The series is a Derek Waters creation, directed by Jeremy Konner. The series' premier episode, Volume 1, features Michael Cera as Alexander Hamilton, and Volume 2 & Volume 2.5 cast Jack Black as a seedy Ben Franklin. It may not be historically accurate, but it's loads of fun!

Mustang Island State Park

2008-07-14T14:52:00.005-05:00

modern minimalism

2008-07-10T14:39:00.021-05:00

I can't help but drool in marvel over smart minimalistic design. In my book these houses go above and beyond basics with their beautiful architecture, while simultaneously showcasing a respect for natural surroundings. Of course, their price tag is suitably way out of any foreseeable attainability for me, but window shopping fits my budget just fine. Here's a peek at some of the well crafted works that have been delighting my inner architecture enthusiast. (Also, you should probably note that I know just about as much in the field of architecture as George Castanza.)

recycled wooden stairs from Jan Korbes' Garbage Architecture project

spiral stairway of Casa Muelle by Jonas Retamal

view from the interior of Devanthery & Lamuniere's converted barn-stable

Arthur Casas' House in Iporanga

Judith Mountain Cabin by Prairie Wind Architecture

patio of the Aquino House by Augusto Fernandez Mas / K + A Diseno

Recycled Pallet House for disaster relief housing by I-Beam Design

which way to the beach?

2008-07-03T13:39:00.009-05:00

Few things in life grant me the simple satisfaction of waking up only to slip into a bathing suit and out the door to the nearest body of water. That is summer. And while with age summer fades into the obscurity of yearly events, I refuse to let such an opportunity pass by altogether. I am thrilled to be leaving Austin tomorrow and finding serenity on the gulf coast shore of Mustang Island State Park.

Throughout my childhood, my family frequented the Jersey Shore points familiarized in east coast cliches and Springsteen songs. For most of my life the Atlantic Ocean was the ultimate summer experience. My parents took me out beyond the breaking waves to the calm, and I fell in love with the gentle disposition of the massive sea.

Bruce Springsteen - 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)

My unconditional love for the beach eventually spawned my desire to seek distant shores. I've been fortunate to wade in the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean and Andaman Seas, in Australia, Barbados and Thailand respectively. Such extravagant experiences of carelessly presenting myself as shark bait while surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and wading in unfamiliar territories eventually awakened an unwavering fear of death by shark (call it foolish, I call it respectful precaution), and have consequently curbed my interest to venture out as far into the water as I did as a child, but never could it deter me altogether.

explodingdog image

It's been almost a year since my last bout with the crashing waves which kidnapped my sunglasses in Cape May, NJ, and I've found myself longing for the basic accessories of the shore: the scent, sweet lulling sounds, and the lingering sand that sticks to you for days after departure. I can't wait to bask in the sun and enjoy the sweet, simple pace of the sea. So picture me loving life until I return with an appropriate summer photo montage.

full playlist

giggly gobbily goods

2008-06-29T16:15:00.006-05:00

Lately my favorite blog, This Recording, has been running a series in which their contributers list off things they find hilarious. I had so much fun reading through their lists that I decided to compile my own. So la tee da, and here we go . . .

Michael Ian Black vs. David Sedaris, Canadians, mustaches, baby animals, Wesley Willis, the Elaine dance, My Cousin Vinny, hungry hippos, RZA, monkeys, horoscopes, Tim McNamara, The Jerky Boys, zoomba pants, that's what she said, Jerry Stiller, comb overs, Pootie Tang, Mad Libs, Charlie's America Song:

The Muppets in Space, miniature golf, Florida, urban cowboys, Jens Lekman, Keith Richards, the Jimmy's down Seinfeld episode, the old men in the Muppets, Wanda Sykes, Dr. Katz, Elmer Fudd, Michael Cera, roller disco, Snoop Dogg, Joey Buttafucco, sarahspy, this AFSME parody:

Aziz Ansari's Shittiest Mixtape, Vik Prjonsdottir's Beard Cap design, 80's night, kitchen banter, Kevin Smith, Home Movies, Kevin James, The King of Queens, Jim Gaffigan, synchronized swimming, the monster mash, That 70's Show, hula hoops, drunk boxing on Tricor, Home Movies' Guitarmageddon episode, Ken Marino casting himself as the asshole in Diggers, $240 dollars worth of pudding, Bill Murray, the Beastie Boys' video for Futterman's Rule:

Real talk, Bel Biv DeVoe, David Arquette and Luke Perry in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie, dogs in sweaters, Napoleon Dynamite, celebrities, Wet Hot American Summer, The Flight of the Conchords, Redman, Arrested Development, Jon Stewart, The Colbert Report, when Kate and I go too far with a joke, Grand Royal Magazine, bro-downs, pinatas, the bible belt, politics, Mahna Mahna, Steve Martin, toupees, fat guy in a little coat, Kramer, shoulder pads, 30 Rock:

Snicker doodles, Greg King, Bob Dylan, James Franco, Michael Showalter, Demetri Martin's Trendspotting segments on the Daily Show, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The New Kids on the Block, when Jon Stewart bros down and has giggle fits with his guest, how Jacob loves Ludacris, Arnold Schwartzenagger's resume, George Bush senior skydiving on his 80th birthday, Seinfeld, Fuzz the Musical on Mr. Show, my google search for "inappropriate dinosaur", David Letterman prime-time specials:

And of course, Legends of Springsteen:

Related Posts:
My Top 5 Pics from the "50 Greatest Comedy Sketches of All Time"
Top Ten: Most Ridiculous Road-Trip Events

Black Cab Sessions

2008-06-24T14:35:00.007-05:00

When my infatuation with The Felice Brothers peaked a few months back, I came across a precious little project called Black Cab Sessions, for which the brothers performed a haunting true story of a Ruby Mae, a murdered cabaret singer. The song is beautifully heartbreaking to begin with, and the intimacy provided by the close corners of a cab turned makeshift venue, somehow seems strangely appropriate.

The Felice Brothers - Ruby Mae

The concept of the Black Cab Sessions is the most simplified of formats, "One song. One take. One cab." The project is a Just So Films creation in collaboration with Hidden Fruit, and the goal is to provide a vehicle to promote newly discovered acts. What's neat is that each performance is marked as a chapter, chronologically, and you can literally watch the sessions evolve from a humble and uncertain start in chapter one, to a somewhat established organization at chapter forty-six, which is the present span of their work.

The unique nature of this experiment makes for consistent spontaneity, given the setting. The format itself lacks certainty in it's fundamental elements. For one, the cab drivers don't always seem thrilled by the activities taking place within their ride. Also, in many cases the band has to select which members perform, due to limited space. All sets are acoustic, thus the musicians have to be resourceful and improvise when necessary. Still each performance feels full of energy and possibility. I'm consistently impressed by the wide array of instruments that make their way into the cabs, including fiddles, accordions, casio keyboards, etc.

In addition to the Felice Brothers set, a few other performances really stand out in my opinion. So of course I will share my favorites with you. Here are the Black Cab Sessions of Lykke Li (which Sarah left uncovered in her review of "I'm Good, I'm Gone" acoustic sets), My Morning Jacket, Spoon, and Sunset Rubdown.

Lykke Li - I'm Good, I'm Gone

My Morning Jacket - Touch Me I'm Going to Scream, Pt. 2

Spoon - I Summon You

Sunset Rubdown - You Go on Ahead

the new digs

2008-06-22T23:38:00.012-05:00

The roomies.

We like using this thing.

A little early footage of our new place, more of which can be found here.

C is for Cookie, and Colbert

2008-06-20T13:33:00.004-05:00

Last night Stephen Colbert confronted the Cookie Monster in defense of the "pro-cookie agenda."

Hard hitting news with a sugary coating.

Summer Scenes for an Insta-vaca

2008-06-17T10:27:00.003-05:00

RZA tour hit Austin with some tasty Digi Snacks

2008-06-13T11:29:00.011-05:00

On Wednesday night I was fortunate enough to plant myself front and center for the RZA show at Emo's. If you know me, that does paint a somewhat conspicuous picture, but you know I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Austin was the second U.S. stop on the promo tour for the new Bobby Digital album, Digi Snacks, which will be released on June 24th. The cover art alone (above) demands some attention.

I personally love the RZA (to the point of a mini-crush). I mean, he is the goofy, endearing, organizational mastermind behind the Wu Collaboration, but I was a little nervous the show might turn out to be a rocky showcase. Thankfully, it was definitely a positive experience. There were some slight technical difficulties on stage, but I had the benefit of proximity, which granted us some ridiculous allowances that ultimately compensated for any rough spots. Yes, Margaret and I did gank a bottle of champagne from stage after RZA sprayed the crowd and dropped it right in front of our faces. We were passed herbal refreshments from stage, and the RZA himself held onto both of our hands, which he insisted be in the air at all times throughout his performance.

Stone Mecca, a funky, soul-fueled ensemble, backed the RZA with a smooth energetic, humbling counterbalance to the overwhelming presence of our host and the Wu Affiliates that accompanied him on stage. To my taste, the opening acts of Solomon Childs, Black Knights and DJ Notion weren't consistently entertaining, but when Stone Mecca took over the stage, I was mesmerized. There were at least six members of Stone Mecca for this particular showcase: three songstresses who switch off on lead vocals, two guitarists, a keyboardist or two, a drummer, I lost count. I was too busy dancing. At one point their keyboardist nudged me with a copy of their new self-titled debut album, and I almost didn't avert my attention. Luckily I did and promptly packed it back in my bag at the first ease of the crowd. Seriously, I saw Rock The Bells, I know what can happen when people get excited. And there was definitely reason to get excited. RZA catered to the crowd with old Wu-Tang and Gravediggaz favorites, then peppered the mix with some new Digi Snacks. Tasty, indeed.

Bobby Digital ft. Inspectah Deck, "You Can't Stop Me Now"

My top ten albums of 2008, so far.

2008-06-11T14:21:00.005-05:00

A couple weeks ago, Sarahspy blogged about her favorite albums of 2008, and promptly challenged me to do the same. Sadly, it's taken me forever to find the time to meet her request, and I simply haven't had enough listening time to match her list of twenty. But at long last the time has come to reveal my list. Here are the top ten albums that have ruled my rotation so far this year, in order from most awesome, to slightly less awesome, and so forth.

The Felice Brothers - The Felice Brothers
Myspace | Hype Machine | Amazon

Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer (official release on June 16th)
Myspace | Hype Machine | Amazon

Tokyo Police Club - Elephant Shell
Myspace | Hype Machine | Amazon

The Black Keys - Attack & Release
Myspace | Hype Machine | Amazon

Lykke Li - Youth Novels
Myspace | Hype Machine | Amazon

She & Him - Volume One
Myspace | Hype Machine | Amazon

My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
Myspace | Hype Machine | Amazon

Ratatat - LP3 (official release on July 8)
Myspace | Hype Machine | Amazon

Man Man - Rabbit Habbits
Myspace | Hype Machine | Amazon

The Hold Steady - Stay Positive (official release on July 15)
Myspace | Hype Machine | Amazon

Da Cribbage

2008-06-02T12:24:00.003-05:00

I've just moved into my new house, which is the reason things have been on a standstill around here. I'll be back in action soon. Until then, I leave you with an old favorite.

"This is my house, I built it out of my dreams."

Happy Birthday, Bobby D!

2008-05-24T23:10:00.003-05:00

There are slews of pictures, songs, quotes and/or video's I could post for this occasion, but I came across this little treat and found it to be something quite special. So, I hope you enjoy this little studio collaboration between Dylan and Johnny Cash.

scraper bikes by the trunk boiz

2008-05-19T12:25:00.003-05:00

Awesome.

owls are neat

2008-05-19T11:43:00.004-05:00

And I didn't have any. So I bought this awesome wall hanging as a pre-housewarming gift from VeroVintage for me and my roommates. I can't wait to find the perfect spot for him! I think he's the coolest.

PETA's not going to like this

2008-05-14T00:14:00.003-05:00

But for some reason we just love to see monkeys act like people.

The Billy Letters

2008-05-13T22:25:00.008-05:00

RADAR's online magazine recently brought to my attention a series of letters exchanged in the late 1990's between Bill Geerhart, posing as a curious 10-year old, and some of the most infamous serial killers and well-known political figures of our time. The Billy Letters are all interesting, and in accordance with time availability, the jailed pen-pals wrote the longest and most intriguing responses.

With the project's success, Geerhart attempted a round of follow-up letters ten years later. The whole series is very interesting and needless to say, Charles Manson's letters are by FAR the craziest. I can't decide which frightens me the most, his chaotic penmanship or riddled phrases? He is CLEARLY insane and suitably recognized as one of the most terrifying people/personalities of all time. No question.

I've never read into the Helter Skelter scenario, about how The Beatles' song supposedly influenced the heinous murders he orchestrated. I think it scares me too much to research the nitty-gritty. But I do find it alarming and alluring that Manson was hanging out in the scene prior to going off the deep end, jive-talking with The Beach Boys and entertaining some sort of musical aspirations. Ca-razy.

Anyhoo, to numb the fear I may have instilled with all this Manson jibber-jabber, here's a classic little parody from The Ben Stiller Show to help you disassociate from the evils of the world.

mick & john

2008-05-13T17:09:00.005-05:00

At R&R Circus, 1968

A wonderfully bluestastic collaboration.

Who says you have to be a Beatles OR Stones fan? I choose both.

monday mix

2008-05-12T14:41:00.005-05:00

I've been all over the place lately. My mind's focus completely scattered, often in rapid fire, shooting about nonsensical thoughts and situations as I've exchanged sleep for caffeine and second winds. So that sets the tone for this playlist and ultimately, this post.

A Monday mix sure to induce energetic and rhythmic jolts, smiles, and an overall sense of wellbeing. (How's that for a heavy disclaimer?)

spellbound

2008-05-12T14:00:00.007-05:00

I've got to admit, my horoscope in this week's Austin Chronicle has left me slightly captivated and entirely bewildered:

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18th): When the spell is broken, Aquarius, you will be able to tap into resources that you've been cut off from. When the spell is broken, you will finally notice three big, beautiful secrets that have been staring you in the face. When the spell is broken, you will slip down off a clean, lofty perch where it has been hard to relax and arrive at a low, funky spot where you'll be free to feel things you haven't felt in a long time. When the spell is broken, it will be because you have decided to break it.

Holy shit, what crazy spell is this that warrants four sequential sentences with the same mysteriously intense introduction?

***

Austin Chronicle's weekly horoscopes are a Rob Brezsny production via Free Will Astrology.

Delirium

2008-05-06T15:10:00.007-05:00

From Jim Jarmusch's 'Coffee and Cigarettes.'

One of the most amazing screen combinations imaginable

. . . And the likely result of my new job slinging caffeine and throwing 'em back for free.

The Story of Stuff, and stuff.

2008-05-05T13:27:00.011-05:00

Though it may seem obvious that we as Americans and/or inhabitants of an Americanized world are aware of our growing predisposition to consumerism, Annie Leonard's 'Story of Stuff' is an important and informatively concise 20-minute crash course in conscience consumerism. As someone who has certainly justified unnecessary purchases to compensate for a bad day, I highly recommend viewing this. Leonard initiates an insightful reminder of the environmental and socio-economic backlash to our culture's impulsive and destructive consumerism. While she provides the basics, it's up to us to offset this unhealthy self-indulgence and shift our focus to global awareness and sustainability.

Here are some helpful info-sites I enjoy in my quest for knowledge and conscience consumption:

The Better World Shopper: this $10 book breaks down the impact of companies and exposes the good, the bad, and the ugly behind the scenes.

Orion Magazine: The Gospel of Consumption by Jeffery Kaplan

Insider Guide to Austin: Organic Food, Special Groceries and Sustainable Living

Lauren Bush's FEED 100 bags available at Whole Foods: each purchase of a $29.99 FEED 100 reusable shopping bag will help provide 100 nutritious meals to children in Rwanda.

Toms Shoes: for each pair you purchase, a child in need will also receive a pair.

Goods For Good: helps get excess goods from the United States to children in need.

sxsw revisited, in polaroid

2008-04-30T17:18:00.012-05:00

previous sxsw coverage:

the beat goes on
kodak moments
free is my favorite four letter word

take what you have gathered from coincidence

2008-04-30T14:04:00.008-05:00

Bob Dylan: 'It's All Over Now, Baby Blue'

It's funny how something familiar can all of a sudden resonate with you differently and become new again. That's where I'm at right now with, "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue." It fits so well in the context of my current situation. Obviously, that's the beauty of good lyrics, they portray universal applications to the human condition. But as far as personal matters go, the current stand-out is, "the vagabond who's rapping at your door, is standing in the cloth that you once wore."

I'm on the brink of a new chapter down here in Austin and while Dylan seems to focus on something being over, it takes endings to form beginnings. I personally don't feel any huge loss coming on, but I do sense a large sense of personal growth and accomplishment as far as social self-reliance.

Despite the departure of my childhood-friends/roommates last year, I never considered leaving Texas, though I sometimes felt displaced. I consider myself very fortunate to have made friends via grocery store encounters, craigslist roomies, co-workers, camping trips, etc. This roustabout lifestyle, and my bouts of wanderlust, allow me to relate to the roll of the vagabond. However, I'm admittedly nesting as of late, which is a big deal for this commitment-phobe. The "highway is for gamblers," and with the hand I've got, I can't bear to lose.

My self-satisfaction is tenfold with the nearing relocation of one of my best friends, Greg. His growing excitement for his move down has also been a reminder of my own experience two summers ago, for what simultaneously terrified and excited me. His desire to come to Austin not only comforts me because he provides a missing link to home, but also because it means that I've succeeded in some way. I accomplished a sense of home on my own. Perhaps I'm no longer the vagabond, but the one enticing the vagabond to establish something new. (Yes, Greg, you're the vagabond.)

Thanks, Bobby.

My top 5 picks from the "50 Greatest Comedy Sketches of All Time"

2008-04-24T14:31:00.006-05:00

Nerve.com and IFC recently collaborated to compile a list of the 50 Greatest Comedy Sketches of All Time, from which I have picked my five favorites. Their list is impressively thorough, while mine is of course a narrow selection based on personal taste, but nonetheless, here it is:

5. "Argument to Beethoven's Fifth," Caeser's Hour (#29 on their list)

I wouldn't exactly categorize this as funny, but it's certainly brilliant, particularly for live television.

4. "Head Crusher vs. Face Pincher," Kids in the Hall (#27)

Simply amazing.

3. "White, White Baby," In Living Color (#38)

In Living Color was the basis of conversation for third grade lunch. If you missed it, you might as well stay home sick and save yourself the embarrassment.

2. "The Pre-Taped Call-in Show," Mr. Show (#43)

David Cross masterfully rides that precarious line between hilarity and a panic attack.

1. "$240 Worth of Pudding," The State (#47)

I know it's wrong, but it just feels SO RIGHT.

Mahna Mahna

2008-04-24T13:00:00.003-05:00

With two roommates bogged down by finals and two ridiculous, large dogs in our tiny three-bedroom house, the daily grind has regressed to something like this:

This is basically our houses' new theme song.

things to do in 78702

2008-04-21T13:25:00.014-05:00

I'm currently awaiting confirmation on a sweet little house on Austin's east side, for which I am extremely hopeful and increasingly excited. I perceive East Austin as an intriguing redevelopment. The area is still largely perceived as "the wrong side of the tracks" (the tracks being I-35), but the ongoing gentrification process has seemingly served the area well. Emphasis on seemingly, since I'm on a benefiting end of this whole ordeal.

The central east easily benefits from proximity to UT and downtown, thus rejuvenating commerce by marketing the area as an up-and-coming region propagating towards the young, hip, and/or artsy types. I suppose I fit the bill, which is moderately priced for the central location, respectively. I certainly support the renovation of a somewhat poverty stricken region oppose to other housing opportunities sprouting up around Austin.

AND I'm totally excited to explore the new neighborhood! I'm increasingly becoming aware of the gems scattered about on the east side.

I finally checked out the Second Sunday Sock Hop at Scoot Inn on E. Forth this month, which was amazing. I plan on becoming a regular.

Sam's BBQ on East 12th has certainly become a favorite for satisfying my friend's barbecue binges. I know very little about meat appreciation, as a bias veggie head, but I've seen grown men beg for this stuff.

TC's Lounge at E. 12th & Webberville is a wonderful little blues club that has never left me regretting going out on a Monday night. Plus it's BYOB for liquor/wine, cheap beer and free soul food (on Monday nights, at least).

I'm sure the above are just the tip of the iceberg. I'm thinking up excuses for checking out Rio Rita's and East Side Cafe ASAP.

sunday recharge: field of dreamers

2008-04-14T17:16:00.007-05:00

We were born before the wind
Also younger than the sun
Ere the bonnie boat was won as we sailed into the mystic
Hark, now hear the sailors cry
Smell the sea and feel the sky
Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic

And when that fog horn blows I will be coming home
And when that fog horn blows I want to hear it
I dont have to fear it
I want to rock your gypsy soul
Just like way back in the days of old
Then magnificently we will float into the mystic
And when that fog horn blows you know I will be coming home
And when thst fog horn whistle blows I got to hear it
I dont have to fear it
I want to rock your gypsy soul
Just like way back in the days of old
And together we will float into the mystic
Come on girl...

Van Morrison - 'Into the Mystic'

Copyright lyric extracts included by kind permission of Exile Music

The Miscellaneous Adventures of King: The Jump Off

2008-04-10T15:18:00.010-05:00

I have this friend, Greg King. He's undoubtedly one of the most ridiculous characters I've ever met, and I mean that in the best way possible. For some time now I've been building a mental catalog of stories and events that could honestly one day make an enjoyable sitcom, and thus some serious bank. Seriously. Seinfeld's got nothing on this kid.

For example, here's today's exchange:

j.s.: i keep going to write a blog about the misadventures of king or what have you, and my mind boggles with where to start. do i start with you puking on my car? maybe. do i start with you ruining countless lives? perhaps. do i start with your pre-apology ecard? probably.

king: maybe start here [see below].

j.s.: i'm posting that. it's hilarious.

king: the script was approved by my high school spanish teacher and the video was required. you should see parte dos. it gets a little crazy. lets just say i could never run for public office.

j.s.: so i have your permission to post it?

king: not without commentary or backstory, otherwise it just seems totally insane. not that it isnt insane. comprende?

GRATUITOUS ADVERTISEMENT:
The producer of this short has also produced the following
www.terracest.com

'Exile in Guyville' Reissue

2008-04-10T11:37:00.014-05:00

Twelve years ago THIS PERFORMANCE by Liz Phair on SQUiRT TV changed my life. I was fourteen and yet to experience any non-commercialized female role models, other than my mother. I was 100% intrigued by her storytelling approach, which contrasted with mainstream female artists' use of sexuality. She took the drivers seat without hesitation or apologies. I was in awe. Within days I obtained her Girlysounds demo recordings and Exile in Guyville from an older friend's copious tape collection. From there launched my interest in Riot Grrl, Bikini Kill, Sleater-Kinney, and my eventual catastrophic disappointment with Phair's 2003 self-titled album, which all longtime admirers regard as a total sellout.

Still, Phair has remained one of my favorite female artists for the impression she left upon me at such a young age and her initial give'em hell honesty in songs about love, heartbreak, sex and the misadventures of life. Her lyrics are laced with sexual explicitness and emotional detachment uncharacteristic of a woman. All these years later, that crude perspective continues to provide an empowering reality check. Exile in Guyville remains relative for it's ability to speak truth and provide a necessary female voice in a culture so obsessed with sugar-coated fem-bots.

Obviously I'm excited for ATO's reissue of Exile, which will be released on June 24th with unreleased tracks and an accompanying DVD inwhich Phair interviews some of Wicker Park, Chicago's early '90s icon figures, including John Cusack.

THANK YOU to ThisRecording for their track-by-track review of Exile accompanied by MP3s (linked below). Those guys really have their finger to the pulse. I'm a big fan.

If anyone has the Girlysounds demo recording, help a girl out. I lost mine at some point in college.

Related:

This Recording: In Which Entertainers May Bring Flowers

Pitchfork: Liz Phair Reissues Exile in Guyville

tiger style

2008-04-08T12:19:00.010-05:00

This picture from The Felice Brothers' myspace delights me in the way few things do. It's fucking incredible and reminds me that in one of the first interviews/reviews I read about them, they mentioned listening to Wu-Tang growing up. And if you follow this page, by now you should recognize my sentimental attachment to Wu. And perhaps this further demonstrates regional culture trends, or that Wu-Tang created one of the most influential movements in the history of rap. Either way, here's a track off Wu-Tang's latest release, 8 Diagrams. "Campfire" is very reminiscent of 36 Chambers, with the samples providing an inspirational lesson.

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taking it for the team

2008-04-02T16:00:00.001-05:00

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sunday recharge: daily dose of Dylan

2008-03-30T16:13:00.005-05:00

Bobby D

warm blanket