One Hundred Years

Happy Birthday David Bowie

2012-01-08T19:03:00.001-08:00

David Bowie is 65 today!

Enjoy Ashes to Ashes in his honor:

-&-

In other news: I'm back in school. Hurrah! Had a great holiday in SoCal, and celebrated my 6th Anniversary w/ Erick.

Today was an absolutely gorgeous Chicago day--crisp but not too cold, and sunny. The city really is spectacular. It feels at times a little like London and at other times a bit like NY, while still at others it has the small city feel of SF. Erick and I walked along the river and the water looked so beautiful it felt like we'd been transported to Europe to walk along the Thames.

I'm still adjusting back to the pace of school, so I best get back to my reading, which I've procrastinated at. This week I'll be mighty busy as Wednesday we're going to see President Obama speak, and on Thursday we are going to a live taping of NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell me!

Once again, Happy Birthday Bowie, and thanks for years and years of inspiring music xox

I'm home!!

2011-12-19T17:37:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to be home!!! I love California xoxox

Check out the interactive version: http://www.sprawl2.com/.

Black Friday I'm in Love

2011-11-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

Right now as I type, The Cure are playing in NYC. Either that or it's tomorrow night that they're playing. I am too sad to look. I can't believe I am not in LA or NY to see them. I feel luck such a fairweather friend. In their honor watch "Friday I'm in Love." I think the video captures how being in love feels-pure whimsy and chaos. Add Robert Smith to that, and you got pure joy.

-&-
This morning I went Black Friday shopping with Joy, Vicki, and Lindsay. It of course was not the same as shopping with my fashion soulmate Christy, but I've got to give the ladies I took major props for keeping up with me. They humored me, getting to Urban Outfitters at 4:45 this am. Since I picked them all up, they had to be ready at 4, 4:15, and 4:35 respectively and they were all ready on time and had tons of energy from the start. I was SUPER impressed! Strategy is one of my favorite pastimes, and so I had thought about which Urban to go to--which would be the biggest? have the biggest selection? fewest people? fewest hipsters in particular? I'm happy to say that we made a very wise decision. The crowd consisted mostly of high schoolers, which wasn't the greatest company, BUT they have such different taste that I was still able to score some great deals, including the shoes below. Statement piece! I lucked out because these were the only pair in my size (of 3 pair total) and part of a display. I love the pattern.

After Urban we grabbed breakfast at a Tina Fey-approved diner and then popped into the first ever (to my knowledge) ANTHRO Black Friday sale. It was also fantastic. Got a pair of boots and a parka, a skirt, a sweater, and some bowls--all 50% off the sale. Score! This year my Black Friday winning purchase is a Betsey Johnson coat from Urban. It was an online purchase so there was only 1 of them, which I happened to stumble upon. It was marked down to $40 from $250 and then 50% off of that, so only $20!!! As Larry David would say: Pretty good. Pretty. Pretty. Pretty. Good.

By the time I got home my excitement steam had run out so I crashed til 4, got up, did some studying. Oy vey Finals are the week after next. I can't believe it. I'm just thankful that the break comes right then and I get to see almost everyone who I love most in the world.

-&-

Other reason I feel so happy right now: we are cat sitting Eddie, who my friend Nathan is fostering. He is a DELIGHT! Look at how cute he is!! He comes when I call him, snuggles up, gets only a little feisty sometimes, and is just generally speaking pretty relaxed. I knew we had bonded when last night as I was reading in bed I called for him to come into the bedroom, and I yelled "Eddie Cat Halen!"--and he came! Ha. We are totally on the same wavelength!

I was a bit of a naysayer at first, thinking I wouldn't succumb to the cuteness of a pet. But man, I have been reduced to a fool. Every time I see Eddie I make up a new song with varying degrees of success ("I have a little Eddie, his name is little Eddie--little Eddie, little Eddie, little Eddie little Eddie, little Cat!": Don't judge, I'm not really talented with on-the-fly lyrics). I ask him stupid questions just to get him to tilt his head in that adorable I'm-a-pet way. I assume he intends things that he probably doesn't (like thinking he ran to the bedroom to commiserate with me about how clever my Eddie Van Halen reference was).

But he's soooo cute!!

I want to keep him!! He is a foster cat looking for a permanent home. Hmm...

-&-

A friend posted this picture from the auction the week before last, and I wanted to share it because it's a pretty funny live action shot (or "live auction shot"-har). The girl in green paid to pie the guy in the Hawaiian shirt--let's call him "Soup." He's become quite a "legend" of sorts at school because he's constantly sending inappropriate and/or silly emails on the all-students listserv. Knowing that he's a hated/wanted/mocked/all of the above man, he auctioned off the opportunity to pie him in the face. I felt torn about it because I felt like it once again gave him what he wants, more attention, but then in the throws of hands down the most fun night I've had in school, I realized how great it was. In an otherwise too-serious atmosphere he injects some levity (sometimes too much), but hey it'd be so dire without that. The worst part though is that I too got inadvertently pied. I'm the one on the standing up blonde's right hand side sitting in the front row. You can see how I would get the pie spray all over me. Ah well. I'm washable and water proof. Worse things have happened (luckily it didn't get on the BEST DRESS OF ALL TIME, which I was wearing that night).

-&-

I'm obsessed with the selection of people Dazed and Confused chose for its 20th Anniversary Covers extravaganza. The concept is great: they picked icons for the cover and asked them to choose a relative unknown to grace the folded page of the cover. Check out the selection by clicking the pic below. It'll take you to a page with all 20 covers on it: The Kills, Bjork, PJ Harvey, Yukimi!?!?! So exciting. I wish I had more time to read all the content they've got on the website about the cover shoot and the stars.

-&-

Just got off the phone with Christy, one of my best friends in the whole world. We swapped Black Friday stories and mutual excitement for our impending reunion. Since I know she reads this, I want to memorialize the fact that she is the pinnacle of awesome. I have never met a more genuinely wonderful person--totally unique, 100% herself, would do anything for me (I'm certain of it). We were lamenting about how difficult it is to make friendships like the ones that you make when you're in kindergarten-college; things once you graduate just seem more challenging, and you seem to only meet people within the defined boundaries of a position or role (coworker, friend of a friend, acquaintance). But then we realized that we are the total exception to the rule for each other. We started as coworkers and definitely do not feel limited in that scope at all--which I'm thrilled about. That realization made me feel all the more grateful for her. Talking to her was a nice reality check that 1) law school isn't the only thing that bears on life, 2) people care about me for things other than my intelligence (which would be bad if they did since, as I'm finding here at Northwestern, I'm painfully deficient in the brain category). and 3) that C'est si Bon truly does make the best sandwich in the world.

I consider myself really fortunate to have worked with some really amazing people (who know who they are!), but I've always felt a bit sad that the friendship level attained while working together doesn't always continue after I've left. With some people it does, and I'm always really appreciative when that happens.

...Ah I'm getting all sappy, but I really miss all my CA friends. Being in Chicago feels like I may as well be on a different planet. I know objectively I'm not, but nothing is familiar and I'm feeling so beaten down by how inferior I feel in school, that I could really use a CA jump start. Break couldn't be coming at a better time!

Now Playing: "Never Let Me Down Again"-Depeche Mode (dedicated to Christy!)

How Could You Never Go There

2011-11-18T18:29:00.000-08:00

I love Feist. She looks so enchanting in this new video. The super long hair makes her look almost like a different person though.

Check it out:

2011-11-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

I've come to adore DJ Shadow, thanks to a very good friend who hepped me to him, and this is more great DJ Shadow magic, featuring YUKIMI of Little Dragon acclaim!!!!

A good friend of mine emailed me to tell me he had begun reading How Proust Can Change Your Life, one of my all time favorite books by one of my all time favorite authors. The email lifted my spirits (1) because it was from an old friend from whom I hadn't heard in a while, (2) because it was about an Alain de Botton book I recommended, and (3) because it reminded me of my love for literature, something I've lost touch with being in law school. He picked out this quotation from the book to send me, calling it one of his favorite paragraphs he's ever read:

Furthermore, conversation allows us little room to revise our original utterances, which ill suits our tendency not to know what we are trying to say until we have had at least one go at saying it, whereas writing accommodates and is largely made up of rewriting, during which original thoughts - bare, inarticulate strands - are enriched and nuanced over time. They may thereby appear on a page according to the logic and aesthetic order they demand, as opposed to suffering the distortion effected by conversation, with its limits on the corrections or additions one can make before enraging even the most patient companion.

Isn't that beautiful? Original thoughts as "bare, inarticulate strands"? Ah! The imagery is so great. Language is such an incredible tool. Reading this excerpt, I long to read a piece of literature just for the pure enjoyment of it. All this dense, technical law school reading fatigues me; I would relish nothing more than to take a break and have the opportunity to just sit on a park bench and read some Alain de Botton. I also long to write like de Botton, as opposed to the very dry, terse writing that we have to do in school. Maybe over Christmas break I'll start that novel I keep thinking about :)

I also recently got excited to see that MGMT covered Bauhaus' "All we ever wanted was everything"--one of my favorite songs on The Sky's Gone Out. They made a video for it too!

The video is "private" and so wouldn't play on my blog, but here's the link to it on Pretty Much Amazing.

Feisty

2011-11-08T01:30:00.000-08:00

Some friends and I went to see Feist last Friday at the Riviera Theater. It was a great show, and more importantly it felt amazing to have a brief respite from the grind of school. Here are some pics from the show:

Clockwise from left, Allison, Nathan, Alex, and Lindsay.

We managed to get Nathan to come up close to the stage, but he wasn't happy about it (note the crossed arms).

Feist's back up singers reminded me of the sister wives from the compound on Big Love. The outfits they were wearing were not at all the most becoming.

At the end, Feist asked people to get on stage with her. I thought it was more distracting than anything, but if it makes her happy!

All right, back to school work. I have a the first part of one of my finals on Thursday. Ugh...

In happy news, I have my plane ticket for Xmas break. I'm soooo excited to go home and visit. I miss everyone so much.

xoxox

Halloween

2011-10-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

I've never been very good about Halloween. I don't give the time or effort necessary to put together an impressive costume. Last night I waited until 6pm to find a costume in my closet. After about 1 1/2 hours of trying on different outfits and google searching people and characters based on items in my wardrobe, I finally decided on Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde. I went to my friends party by myself, so not only was I w/o a Clyde, but everyone pretty much thought I just looked like myself. But I thought I did a pretty good job. I needed a gun or something to make the costume perfect, but I didn't have that in my closet.

I took these pictures myself, which is why they suck. But you can get the idea. [my mom's always complaining about no pictures...]

ooh, super blurry. I wish I had a full length shot bc my shoes were really awesome. Burlap heeled ankle boots. It was perfect.

Stay hungry, stay foolish-RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

How is it possible to so devastated by the death of someone I never met? I guess when a person is this remarkable, you can't help but leave the kind of impression on people that runs deep and lasts.

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life because almost everything--all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure--these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

Ugh. Heart-breaking. Watching this put some things I've been going through in perspective for. This week has been one of the most challenging of my life. I spent the last two days crying, hating myself, and napping instead of doing anything remotely productive-and why? Because I am floundering in school, a place that was once my refuge. For the first time in my life I am putting in a lot of effort, struggling with concepts, and finding that I'm not one of the smartest in my class. But rather than let me bury myself in self-loathing over the average grade I received on my first paper, my stupid mistake on my midterm, and my near-paralyzing fear that I'll never catch on to all this legal stuff, I need to start thinking like Steve Jobs did. This video shows someone who faced life and did it with all he had. That is commendable. I often wonder why it's so difficult for me to keep things in perspective. I think it's tunnel vision. Where I lack focus in some areas I make up for it in focus on my failings. It's neither the most productive nor the most rewarding place to put my energies. I think I have only this life, and why live it fixated on the things I don't do perfectly? I guess the answer is obvious that I shouldn't. I'm finding it's a bit of a battle not to focus on the negatives. To nip this in the bud I will try to harness the Steves Jobs essence and find it in myself to "stay hungry, stay foolish."

My heart goes out to his family.

[jeff buckley-Last Goodbye

And again I'm sad...

2011-09-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

...Because The Cure is playing in LA in November, and I won't be there. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Why, why, why do I seem to have a curse upon me when it comes to them that bars me from nearly every opportunity of seeing them live?? Apparently, the select tour dates (LA, NY, and London) coincide with their nomination for the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. I'm proud of them for getting that nod. The shows will see them play three of their early albums in their entirety...and get this, the original lineup for all three albums will be there, and so they'll switch between sets to have everyone who originally played the part do just that. AMAZING. Such a brilliant idea. I am so heartbroken I cannot see this. I even looked up plane tickets to go just for the night. Alas, they are too expensive. Booo.

This is what I'll be missing...

:(

I swear, if they play at Coachella again I will explode.

Love

2011-09-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

In contrast to Monday, where I felt absolutely horrible, Tuesday morphed into something amazing. I started the day feeling a little blah, but the afternoon improved substantially.

Here are some of the things that filled it with unexpected wonderfulness.

1) Boot sale at Anthro. What?!?!?!. It couldn't have come at a better time. One thing I definitely need is new boots.

2)I talked to Susie, Northwestern Law's Academic and Professional Excellence Director, and she, as usual, helped me put things in perspective and feel way less shitty/nervous/horrified/scared. She assured me I'm not the dumbest person at school, and this assurance will last me for at least a few days.

3)I received an amazing text from Ryan, who I left behind at Parsons, telling me how I've got my big brothers back home in my corner. I can't even describe to you properly the smile that it induced. Suffice to say it reminded me not only that there's a world of people beyond my law school cohorts, but also that I have the world's most amazing friends (who I love and miss terribly!).
(I also didn't know my Parsons friends read my blog...now I'll really have to edit!)

4)A second text came through, this time from Christy, lending her support and reminding me she believes that I can do this. The best. That's Christy.

5)Radiohead played on Colbert. Granted, this happened on Monday, but in my day-late world of no TV and watching shows on the internet, it was brand new to me. It was exciting to watch--a bit awkward at times--but nonetheless exciting to see the band in the wacky upside-down world of Colbert.

My friend Nathan sent me this video of a guy singing like Freddie Mercury, and it is crazy!!! He sounds (and kinda looks) so much like Mercury. Incredible.

alright...off to do some work before crashing. I'm so beat!

A little catharsis

2011-09-26T11:14:00.001-07:00

I'm having a rough day, and since I feel like I have no one to talk to about it right now, I'll type it here. As if the stress of school isn't bad enough, it is compounded by the fact that I'm finding an approach to learning that I'm not used to at all. People here are downright territorial about knowledge. I suppose it has to do with being around so many over achiever types. People just don't want to talk about their process, or if we have to argue something and come to different arguments, it's apparently not ok to talk about them and flush out how we came to different conclusions. While everyone here at Northwestern so far has been very nice, perhaps I've fallen too hard and too fast into thinking that it's as genuine as I'd like to think. I struggle with self confidence in many ways, and it's hard when I've acclimated to a situation and then I feel like I'm jolted in the other direction, of feeling unwanted or just out of place. Both yesterday and today I've had interactions with people who call themselves my friends that have left me feeling really shitty, and mostly it just makes me feel stupid and hate myself because I know I err on the side of being too sensitive. So of course I blame myself for feeling the way I do. And when it's the people you feel closest to who have done the thing that makes you feel this way, where do you go? I don't know.

Well I'm going to stop feeling sorry for myself and get some work done. I needed to vent, and I know people who I love will read this and that they'll love me despite. That's what gets me through it.

I miss you.

xoxo

AD every day

2011-09-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

I don't think a day goes by in law school without some reference to Arrested Development (I'm of course speaking for me and my friends). Many times it's because a prof has said, or we've read in a book, the words"Maritime" or "Admiralty" Law--to which Alex responds, "You're a crook Captain Hook, judge won't you throw the book...!" Amazing. See below.

Well today Nathan sent me this:

and then I found more...

Just a thought

2011-09-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

In my Property class we read a Robert Reich piece for the NY Times that very eloquently described the problems that arise when the wealthy make up too great a proportion of the overall income in America. We were reading the opinion piece in tandem with an excerpt from the Communist Manifesto, and there were significant parallels. The idea that the wealthy are creating a system in which their lifestyle is also unsustainable was a noticeable similarity (Marx and Engels said that the capitalists were "digging their own graves"). By pushing the majority down closer to poverty, the rich make it so that they have to start taking care of the very people they had been taking advantage of. Thus, Reich says, it should be clear to the wealthy that it would be more sustainable and wealth maximizing to have a smaller part of a high functioning society than the majority of a barely functioning one. Right now we are becoming more and more the latter. They would be smart to work on maintaining America's economy rather than selfishly hoarding it to its detriment. So sad.

On a happier note, my friend sent me this video that Reich did with Conan O'Brien. It is HILARIOUS! Trust me.

Two Weeks

2011-09-10T17:52:00.001-07:00

It's been two weeks at school, but it feels like it's been months. I am so exhausted. Don't get me wrong, it's really interesting and I am so glad to be here. The pressure is crazy though. There is so much reading, and it's incredibly dense and time consuming. I need to keep up so I don't fall behind because it seems like once you fall behind it's too much to ever catch up to.

It hasn't been all work and no play though.

Erick and I attended the !!! show at the Bottom Lounge. I mapped it, and saw that if we took the bus we'd only have to walk a mile to the venue--no big deal. Well, it wouldn't have been except that it was one of the scariest miles I've ever walked. Over half of it was along this really wide street that was almost more highway-like than anything, and there was construction along it making the sidewalk precarious at best. It was totally dark and lined with other construction areas, commercial buildings, and one gas station that was completely covered with bars on the windows and door: horrifying. Oh, and there were bridges too, over which drove cars and the L. We finally made it to the venue and learned a valuable lesson about Chicago: just because we can walk everywhere doesn't mean we should. I'll be taking a cab there if I go again.

Anyway, once we were there we found the venue to be similar to the Echoplex--big, open, with a cute bar area. One noticeable difference was how much more casual the audience was dressed than in Southern California. In LA it seems like everyone's sort of "dressed" for shows. Perhaps it's a midwest thing that they don't feel the need to get all hipstery for shows? Dunno. Also, the crowd wasn't nearly as aggressive or hard to maneuver around. Which meant, of course, that I was easily able to get to the front. Here are some pictures of the show:

See how close I was?!

Really cool jacket filled with Christmas lights. Amazing!

The energy of the band was infectious. You know a band has been really good when they end and it feels like it's only just started. These guys have been playing for a while now, and it shows in their ease on stage and their talent on their respective instruments. The guitarist was especially good. He played like he'd been classically trained as a jazz guitarist. Very, very impressive. At the end of the night the drummer came up and handed me his drumsticks. A lot of good these do me with no drum kit! Just kidding. It was a nice gesture and I will of course keep them tucked awat for that day when I do finally get a drum kit.

I mentioned in my last post that Erick and I did some entertaining too. We had some of our friends over a couple weekends ago. Earlier that day I had done a day of service at the Brown Elephant thrift store, benefiting the Howard Brown health care center, which provides medical services to the underprivileged LGBT community. There, I found an amazing jacket. A few days earlier during orientation, the woman who ran our Prep Week mentioned she loves Ferris Bueller's Day Off (who doesn't) and always wanted a jacket like Sloan's from the film. Well in the midst of volunteering I found a jacket nearly identical to Sloans, except in yellow, not white. I snagged it and brought it home. Then later that night, we all decided to give it a whirl. Here are some pics:

Amee:

Cacky:
Jerry:
Vicki:
And my favorite picture, Alex:

As is, I think, very apparent, we had a lot of fun with this jacket. It's still hanging in my room, but we will soon deliver this to Susie, and I'm pretty sure her mind will be blown.

-&-

This morning Erick and I went to cheer on Vicki in a 2.5K swim down at the local "beach." She did so well! It was weird seeing so many people in bathing suits and swim caps. All that tightness. Eek. Anyhow, I give Vicki major props for doing that. The water was super cold, and she came out still looking hot. No small feat. Jenny Frey, Vicki, Erick and I went to breakfast afterwards to celebrate. And ever since then I've been working on a paper. I took a break for a frustration nap, but otherwise it's been all Bill Smith all the time (Bill Smith is the "client" for the memo I'm writing).

Ok, I gotta get back to homework. I'm at 1400 words in a memo that can only be 1200 words. Damn it. Why do I have to be so damn wordy?!?!

The real first day

2011-08-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

I had my real first day of school today and boy was it a whirlwind. On one hand I'm feeling the return of the old-student-me and it feels really good, but on the other hand I am feeling serious growing pains as I try to fit back into that mold.

Plus, this feels different in a lot of ways (it should be, after all...getting a JD should NOT be like getting your BA). Every break I had today I went to the library to study or I sat in the atrium pouring over books getting ready for class. I'm so afraid of class because our profs use the Socratic Method pretty heavy handedly, cold calling us at random to ask us any one (or multiple) of a myriad questions related to cases.

The reading is so incredibly dense. It takes an hour to read 5 pages right now. Between case briefing, taking notes, looking up words like certiorari in my Black's Law Dictionary, and highlighting, reading is as labor intensive as it can get.

Ah well. Tomorrow is day 2, and I am that much closer to feeling comfortable in my skin as a Northwestern JD student.

Here's a pic of one of our auditoriums. Not the most exciting picture I could have taken, but for some reason that's really the only one I have so far of the school's interior.

There's a wing of the building that looks like it's straight out of Harry Potter, which is pretty awesome. Whenever I'm over there, I definitely feel like I'm at an old, established law school. The appearance makes me feel both honored and intimidated. The other half of the building (like the pic above shows) is new and looks new. Though they did make one new room look (and feel) like it's really old. I have that room for two classes and let me tell you my back and butt don't like those old-school church pew type desks.

One definite plus so far is that during the Prep Week I made really good friends. This past weekend we hosted a group of them at our apartment. Jenny Frey was supposed to come, but she had an accident, so was unable to attend. But Jerry and Vicki, 2 of her friends who I have come to call friends of mine too, made the trek down to Streeterville for the shindig. In the end, there were about 9 of us, and we had such a good time hanging out, talking, laughing, eating. It was so fun having a group of friends all together in our apartment. It made it really feel like home. Me being the obsessive-compulsive hostess that I am, I got ready wayyy in advance of people coming. But whatever. In the end, I was really proud of the way it all looked:

Clean! And (somewhat) organized!

-&-

Ugh. I need to go read and/or sleep some more. I will try to be better at updating my blog though so I don't fall so far behind as to make it feel like a huge mountain I'm climbing just to post on here.

It all starts

2011-08-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Day 1 of my law school journey. It's the first day of the Preparatory Week, which includes full day lessons focused on how to prepare for and what to expect in our law school experience.

I'm nervous/excited/nervous/excited/nervous/excited/nervous/excited.

-&-

In other news: I can't wait to see Feist in November!!! Here's a new song off her upcoming album...

Chicago

2011-08-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

I've been in Chicago now for over a week, and I've been having a great time. So great, in fact, that it's been difficult for me to find time to blog...

well here it is, a rundown of everything that's been going on so far.

The Roadtrip

On our first night, we stayed in Las Vegas! There's nothing like the Strip to make you feel like you're out-of-this-world.

After our one night in Vegas, which was pretty uneventful save for an amazing dinner at Mon Amie Gabi--the restaurant at Paris that my coworker hepped me to--we left Vegas with the goal of reaching another state--at least one more state.

We didn't do to shabbily and ended up getting through all of Nevada and into Utah. Most of the drive was really very beautiful, with shades of brown and red covering the desert landscape.

We stopped a few times on the road. One stop, at a Starbucks in Utah, was really head-scratching. It was filled with women looking like they were plucked straight off the compound in Big Love. That old-timey, Amish-y hair-do and the high-necked, long-sleeved poofy dress is the uniform that marks them as others, complete opposites to the modern world most of us know. I felt the urge to ask everyone I saw if, because they were in Utah, they were Mormon. I know this is silly, me making light and assuming one thing is necessarily connected to another--but seriously you can't blame me for wondering! It appeared a funny irony, too, that they were in a Starbucks. If you're not supposed to drink caffeine because of your religious conviction, it seems to me like morality would also be linked to patronizing a given establishment that has a business model completely based on the thing you're against. I'm sure there's more too it than that but I'm not sure. Besides, who can resist a coffee-free Starbucks drink on a hot day?

We finally decided to stop in Green River, Utah. At the time I thought it was the most podunky place I'd ever seen (until later in the trip, that is). There was NOTHING there except abandoned buildings, hotels, gas stations, and a Subway (there's always a Subway in the boonies). But it wasn't too bad. We stayed at a Motel 6 or a Super 8 or a Holiday Inn, I can't remember. What I do remember is how shitty the continental breakfast offerings were and that the employees watched us like we were crazy folk, aliens from another world. I was glad to get out of there the next day.

Off we went. More hills, more desert. More of the same. Until we made it into the Rockies in Colorado. That was the highlight of the whole trip for me. The majesty of those mountains! All covered in trees! The windy roads added a little interest to the drive, and the lushness of the landscape added life, a welcome break from the expanse of desert we had been through on the days leading up.

Once we passed Denver, though, it was all downhill. And when I say "downhill" I mean it metaphorically, because in reality it was just flat. Flat and straight and boring. For miles and miles and miles. After driving hundreds of miles and wondering when we would see an exit that looked ok to stop by we finally made it to Ogallala, Nebraska (this city was about 150 miles after the town we almost stopped in, until huge signs warned us not to pick up hitchhikers because of the correctional institute there...we thought we'd better not stay there). Ogallala was teaming with people stopping over on their way to/from somewhere else. The parking lot was a veritable zoo of license plates representing the nation. Every state seemed to be represented.

The next day we headed off. I wanted some coffee so I mapped where the nearest Starbucks was--69 miles. Ugh!!! Not that I'm chained to Starbucks or anything, but it does make me feel like I'm in la la land when there isn't a Starbucks anywhere close by. It's like it's some kind of indicator that the area doesn't constitute "the boonies."

In a nutshell, the rest of the trip looked kinda like this:

Nothing but plains and farmlands and plains and farmlands. Yuck. How can so many miles of farmland be devoted solely to corn and soybeans? Surely someone is growing something else--anything--tomatoes, fruit, anything? Nope, just corn and soybeans, the subsidized crop. And where do people live? That was another question I'd have. We saw the farms, and we saw farm equipment, evidence that people live in the area; but where do they live? We saw very few homes and there were even fewer farm homes/barns that appeared inhabited. Someone's working though. Strange economy and lifestyle out there in the middle of our country. I'm glad I've seen it, but I think my days would be just as fulfilled if I never saw them again. Next time I need to drive between Chicago and California I'd either take the far north or far south route.

We stayed in Des Moines the night after Ogallala, and then the next day powered through to Illinois. As we entered Illinois the drive looked decidedly more boring than I thought it would be; having only been to Chicago I guess I thought more of the state would be urbanized, like Southern California. Finally, finally we began seeing signs for Chicago and more and more exits to the suburbs (queue the album The Suburbs, which I played multiple times on the trip). I only really knew of Evanston besides Chicago, so that's where we stayed on that Sunday eve. We got there around 4:00, dropped off our bags, and then set off to use something we hadn't used in days: our legs!!! We walked to Lake Michigan from our hotel, and what a beautiful walk it was! Slow-going, though, since our legs had to dig deep to remember how to walk comfortably. Evanston is such a pretty suburb, filled with giant, stately homes and sidewalks shaded by massive trees. The trippiest thing is that there is a cicada problem--those bugs go crazy and make a racket, the most ear-splitting sound I've heard in nature. Even the sound couldn't detract from my joy to be out of the car and within a half-hour drive to our new apartment.

Monday morning we woke up early, packed up all our stuff, then headed out to the city. Approaching on Lake Shore Drive, the city was all the more breathtaking as the crown destination at the end of a somewhat-tedious drive there.

Once in the city, we went to get our place! The view from the building's sundeck.

We were so excited! But before we could relish the moment too much we had to go get a bed and couch and other things to make the apartment feel liveable. After that was done we proceeded to spend the next week or so (up until today) doing errands and exploring the city on foot.

Crossing the river, right down the street from our place:

The (rather cool) building that houses the DMV, where we went to get Erick his Illinois license:

A cheeky sign for parking near a vet:

We walked by Northwestern Law School. It is such an amazing, beautiful campus. I'm so so glad I'm going there!

...did I say glad? I mean NERVOUS!! Did you see that campus? Eeek it's so pretty and formal looking; it's like I'm at some kind of serious school! What have I gotten myself into???

Besides running errands, our #1 time spender last week was putting stuff away in our apartment, and making it look like it was a home of a particular person. It's finally starting to look like an apartment! Check it...

Living room:Kitchen (we have some space issues here, if you can't tell by the overflowing pantry and the addition of the bookcase in the kitchen):

Bedroom:

As you can see, the apartment is coming together. We've been distracted from making it look finished because we've been too busy as tourists in our new city. Our major exploration into Chicago had include something music related...

...so we went to Lollapalooza, the concert festival held in Grant Park. The park was a great place for the event because it's within walking distance of our apartment (about 1.7mi), but it has some serious flaws too. Unlike the Empire Polo Fields in Indio that houses Coachella, Grant Park--as is fitting for a public park--is segmented, creating awkward hindrances for concert-goers trying to maneuver from one end of the festival to the other (for instance, trying to make it to another performance in enough time to get a good position).
My #1 band to see was The Kills, and they DID NOT disappoint! Their charisma, their chemistry as a duo, is undeniable. Jamie Hince's comfort and control of his guitar is mesmerizing. I don't think I've ever seen someone play live who seemed more in charge of his instrument while making his performance look truly effortless. And Allison Mosshart sang with so much energy. You'd never think she was out in 90+ degree weather. By the end of the set they both were sweaty but smiling, and even the people in the crowd around me who were only there to position themselves for Coldplay had been convinced of The Kills awesomeness.

Phantogram played an excellent set. The addition since last I saw them of a drummer added a lot to the live performance. I was very impressed.

Me with frizzy hair, sitting in the muddy grass.

Tired, I laid back and looked to the sky, where I discovered the clouds had turned into marshmallows or cotton balls.

On Saturday, Mayer Hawthorne put on one of the best sets, to be sure. Another soul group, Fitz and the Tantrums were scheduled right before him, and although they may have been more frenetic and filled with jump-up-and-down energy, Mayer had the kind of silky smooth stage presence that befits his sound. At one point he posed for pictures and told everyone to then put their phones away, to really be in he moment and enjoy the show. In my defense, I took my picture at the very beginning, before he chided the audience. Plus I only took a few shots! There's little I hate more than someone standing in front of me with his camera up in my line of vision. I won't be that guy!

The "Perry's" sign outside of festival creator (and Jane's Addiction frontman) Perry Ferrel's self-titled DJ tent.

At the main entrance to Grant Park, a huge "Lollapalooza" sign had been placed. What really inspired this picture, however, was not the sign, but instead the tiny bird that had landed on the hand of the statue of the man on the horse. The way the bird had landed, it looked as though the man was aiming to shoot the poor bird. Erick and I thought it was hilarious; the bird on the other hand seemed unfazed.

The scene on Sunday--soo many, too many people. It felt like a plague of humans.

A couple times over the weekend, clouds like these rolled in to signify that rain was a sure thing. And boy was it! When it rained it poured. At one point Erick and I were walking home and it started pouring. Most people stepped into shops or crouched in doorways but not us. I'm proud to say we powered on through it all the way home. By the time we made it to our apartment my boots were soaked all the way through, and all the paper in my purse had turned to mush. It was quite exhilarating though! Nothing brings beauty with it more than rain. The sky never looks as beautiful as it does right after the rain has passed.

The rain made for a very muddy experience at Lollapalooza, another one of the huge differences between it and Coachella. In the end, I must admit, that Coachella wins the battle of the festivals. Nothing can beat it. Ah how I mourn the loss of Coachella 2012, which I can't attend (boo!). I'm rooting for the headliners to be Britney Spears, Dave Matthews, and John Mayer. I'll be so sad to miss out on that one...

When we aren't at music festivals, we are walking, anywhere and everywhere.

Right down the street from us is the Lake Front Path (or something or other--I can't recall exactly what it's called). It extends from up near where Jenny lives in Edgewater, which is about 9 miles north of us, and then goes way more south than we are. I think it's something like 30 miles long. The walking infrastructure and the view are equally fantastic. Here are some pics I've taken on one of our 5-miles lake walks.

Ah man, the city is so beautiful! I still can't believe we live here. We went to the Shedd Aquarium (AMAZING!!!), the Field Museum (not as much my thing, although it did have a pretty gnarly gemm collection), and the Museum of Science and Industry (AWESOME!!) this week, and we'll be going to the Planetarium soon. Unfortunately for our exploration, I start school stuff on Monday. Uggggghh. Monday my Prep course at the Uni starts, and it includes a PRACTICE EXAM Friday. That sucks.

Or maybe it's good. I'm hoping it's good, that it helps me get some jitters out of the way.

In the meantime I'm going to get some rest. Blog soon.

[Now Playing: Starsailor-"She Just Wept"]

The September Issue

2011-08-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

And I don't mean the documentary about Anna Wintour, although that is 1) excellent and 2) related. But I'm talking about the new September issue of Vogue with Kate Moss on the cover and the beautiful spread of pictures of her wedding to (ahh) Jamie Hince. It is an incredible spread in my opinion (and I am not in any way biased). Check it out here.

Happy Birthday Maman

2011-08-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

Today is a special day, not only because it is day one of Lollapalooza, but also--and more importantly--because it is my Maman's birthday. I love her very, very much, and I wish I could be there to celebrate with her. But, no matter where I am for her birthday, she can always expect a call and a "happy birthday" sung to her (off key, no less).

I intended to do a blog entry about our first week in Chicago as a birthday present (the occasion being motivation), but I'm just too beat after being in the sun at the festival all day. Must. sleep. now. With fan in face because it's so hot!

Consider the entry a work in progress. Maman's bday present now being an I.O.M. (I owe Maman).

I love you Maman xoxoxox

Goodbye, for now

2011-07-26T23:21:00.000-07:00

Well it's road-trip eve and I'm filled with emotions. Sad in ways to leave but happy to be moving on. Our apartment has looked and felt like a flop house the last few days, so I'm looking forward to getting on our way to the new apartment in Chicago.

Chicago. Chicago. Chic-ahh-go.

Still, as I say it/type it/sing it, it sounds foreign to me. Me living in the midwest? I never thought I'd see the day.

I will miss my family and friends immensely. Especially Maman and Dad, who have always been close enough to see at a moment's notice. It will take more planning, perhaps, but visits will still be fairly frequently.

Despite the sadness I'll feel missing people, it will be nice to have a change from Southern California. After 25 years here I think I'm ready for relocation. While I'm super anxious about starting school, I know this is what I need to do...so I'm doing it.

I won't be making any promises about where I'll be in three years, whether it will be back to California or trying out New York or perhaps staying in Chicago. When my program has ended I'll just have to see where my career prospects are. Plus I'm getting ahead of myself even imagining life in three years, let alone what the first day of classes on August 29th will be like. There is one thing I can guarantee, and that's that I will NOT be getting any sleep on August 28th. I can just see myself on that eve, too caught up in anticipation/worry/dread. If I could be a fly on my own wall I bet I'd get a kick out of myself.

I promise to make full reports on my transition back to school.

-&-

I was watching the recent music video for Bjork's new song Crystalline. Directed by Michel Gondry, the video is weird, beautiful, and at times sort of reminiscent of the 80s (that outfit she's wearing! and her hair!). I love it. Excited about the forthcoming album!

-&-

This past weekend I experimented with the use of face time on my laptop with my phone. I'd never used face time with anyone so it was a new experience all around. It's a strange sensation talking to oneself.

All packed

2011-07-23T00:34:00.000-07:00

Everything was a mess, and now it's all in one box. Funny to see all your possessions crammed strategically into a container that fits in a parking space.

CHICAGO here we come!

More wedding pictures...

2011-07-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

These pictures were snapped by Terry Richardson. The first one, taken at the wedding, makes sense to me how he got it. The other ones are a bit perplexing though...was he in their honeymoon suite with them??? Kind of intrusive pictures.

This must be the place

2011-07-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

I found us a new home today in the Streeterville area of Chicago. Check out the pics below.

The high-rise from the outside:

The view of the lake:

Another view:

A sort of awkward pic I took in the living room:

The floor plan:

I got us a corner unit--the only one left! It's way better than the usual one bedrooms as it had double the windows. Plus the floorplan is wider than it is long, which I prefer. Perhaps best of all: check out all the closet space!!! There's a closet right when you walk in on the right, one along the wall in the hallway to the bedroom, and a walk-in closet!! And there's a pantry in the kitchen.

I'm SOOO excited.

Our new home is located here on the map if you want to see what a fantastic location it is. Another plus? We will be close enough to WALK to Lollapalooza. And don't worry, I walked to the Anthropologie closest to the apartment and it had a huge sale section filled with a great variety. I am now within walking distance of an Anthro. Oh heavens. Good thing I have all that great closet space!

on the cusp of something new

2011-07-03T23:24:00.001-07:00

Tonight I opened the book Mary Ann in Autumn, the most recent installment of the Tales of the City collection by Armistead Maupin, and found on the first page the following T.S. Eliot verse, which I found very appropriate at this time in life when I'm embarking on another adventure:

We shall not cease exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time

We packed more tonight, and someone bought the couch from us. It's all becoming more and more real. Our apartment looks less like a living space than a storage facility half filled with used things. It's bittersweet. I will miss things about Irvine. I loved walking to the lake at night or walking to the District for happy hour or grocery shopping. I loved hiking in Peters Canyon. I like the ease, the comfort, the convenience. But, I love the hustle and bustle of a major, urban city and that's what we're leaving Irvine for. The art, the music, the architecture--it's all going to be so inspiring.

Ah, but for the weather. Oh the weather that everyone tells us is HORRIBLE. I keep my fingers crossed that it's not really that bad.

Married!

2011-07-01T11:15:00.001-07:00

wearing a gorgeous John Galliano dress.

Kate Moss + Jamie Hince=married today!!

2011-07-01T02:46:00.000-07:00

Today, July 1, 2011, Kate Moss is marrying Jamie Hince! Woohoo. I thought there may be no pictures of the festivities because the whole thing is apparently going to be very heavily secured. BUT, then I saw these pictures from their rehearsal dinner. She looks so happy! They sure make a gorgeous couple.

Doesn't she look pretty! ahhh I would KILL to be at this wedding.

limbo

2011-06-28T00:49:00.000-07:00

Gay rights is, as Maureen Dowd says, "the civil rights issue of our time." Her op-ed piece about Obama, and his inability to commit to any issue with much gusto--gay rights being only one of many--is very well written, full of clearly-stated insights and sharp critique. Read it here at NYTimes.

Obama is in limbo on a lot of things. Afghanistan is another issue. Like Dowd asks, are we pulling out to get out or is it just that he's pulling out enough troops to look like he's doing something even though that won't actually make much of a difference besides potentially weakening the progress that's already been made?

Speaking of limbo...that's where I am too! My mind is already long gone, but my body's still here in OC. It will be nice once both sides are together, and I feel blissfully whole again.

3 more days of work...I can't believe it! Next Tuesday, I'm off to NY and Chicago to look for an apartment. Hurrah!!!

We're moving to the Midwest, what a trip???

The Move Part I

2011-06-22T22:53:00.000-07:00

The countdown has officially begun. Last night I started packing! Five boxes in and I finally feel like it's actually happening--we're moving to Chicago. Wow. We didn't go to sleep until 2:30 am this morning because I felt this intense urge to start putting things in boxes. It's a good thing I started packing because it gave me a better sense of just how much stuff we have to pack. Ugh, the least fun thing about moving is the packing and unpacking.

Look, I cleaned out the whole bookcase even! Mom and Dad, look forward to some books coming your way...

And yes, I want all those books later in life.

-&-
These rearranged versions of "We Used to Wait" and "Sprawl II" were just want I needed to hear today as I trudged through the work day.

"We Used to Wait"
The bittersweet nature of the lyrics is really enhanced by this slower, softer rendition.

Arcade Fire performs "We Used To Wait" on Sound Opinions from WBEZ on Vimeo.

"Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)"

Arcade Fire perform "Sprawl II" on Sound Opinions from WBEZ on Vimeo.

Oh Arcade Fire, how do I love thee? The ways can't even be enumerated. Win's voice is haunting, and Regine's is so soft and innocent. Perfect pair, perfect pair.

-&-

I'm really, really digging Bon Iver's new self-titled album. Here they are on Colbert:

God I love Stephen Colbert.

-&-

6 more days of work!

[Now Playing: Bon Iver- "Hinnom, TX"]

Hear about the camping? It was intense.

2011-06-21T01:26:00.000-07:00

I want to wish my dad a belated Happy Father's Day! We met my parents in Oceanside tonight to celebrate with them a day late. I still feel bad that I wasn't able to see my dad on the actual day of fathers (because I was stuck far, far away, on an island), but this is better late than never, right? (I hope!) This next Saturday I plan to totally make up for it! Long hike? check. Delicious lunch? check. Great company? triple check!

Instead of hanging out with my parents, and with Christy who came to OC for a surprise (more on that later), I spent the weekend camping. Highlights included getting to spend time with my friend Vanessa, who I don't see often enough, and catching glimpses of small foxes.

Here Vanessa and I are, having just arrived on the island, feeling optimistic and cold...

But by late afternoon we were starting to get a bit of island fever. So we chatted in the tent and goofed off.

By Sunday, I was ready to leave the island. Everyone else was staying, but I was eager to have some comforts, namely a warm beverage, a comfortable surface to lie down on, and some pain relief. When I made it home at 7:30, all I wanted to do was soak and crash. Bed has rarely felt so good.

However, the weekend ended on a surprisingly high note, especially considering the aches and pains that seemed to increase with each passing minute. What caused the upswing? At 9:30 pm Chrsty called and we met up for coffee. She was in town for father's day, and I had missed the opportunity to spend time with her on Saturday because I was all the way in Ventura by the time I found out she was even in town. Oh man, when I found out she was in OC I was kicking myself. I love, love, love surprises, but nothing's worst than a surprise that you are unable to benefit from (in this case me being so far away that I couldn't go hang out...grrr, it made me crazy!). I would have been so devastated if I hadn't been able to see her while she was in town, but as luck would have it, everything worked out and we were able to cross paths.

The sweetheart she is, she brought with her my birthday present (only 6 months belated! I've given presents much later or, on a couple occasions, not at all ). When I unwrapped the package, I found a gorgeous painting of Russian Hill on a piece of wood. Christy explained that she also has a city scene painting and that she found these at a gallery near her. I love that we both have complementary city scenes! The painting serves as the perfect homage to a city and friend I adore. San Francisco will always be the first city I truly fell in love with, and for that reason it has the kind of specialness that can't possibly be replicated. Sorry Chicago, it's a hard act to follow. With this gift, Christy gave me the perfect vessel to keep all the memories, emotions, and dreams that relate to San Francisco; in commemorating the city in a small, artful way, she's making it a little easier for me to leave it behind because I can take a piece with me. One day, one day, I still think I'll live in San Francisco. Until then, I'll look at this painting and think fondly of my first city love.

In this next picture, the artist's business card--also with a cool image on it--provides a sense of scale to assess the size of the painting. Also, the business card is just plain cool, another piece of artwork to keep.

Below, is a picture I took of us using Hipstamatic's Salvador lens and Dream Canvas film. When we looked at the finished product we were surprised by the mustaches that the photo setting seemed to give us. We could not stop laughing. So this is what I'd look like in some messed up surrealist universe.

As usual, I left spending time with Christy with a bounce in my step. She is such a bright spot in my life, surrealist mustache and all.

I get all teary eyed when I think that this could be the last time I see her for a long while (unless she moves to Chicago...).

The end of an era, and the beginning of a new one

2011-06-17T22:52:00.000-07:00

Fantastic, official news: I'll be starting the J.D. program at NORTHWESTERN in August 2011. Woohoooooooooooooooo. Ranked by USNews as #12 overall, and #8 in rankings by law firms, Northwestern is no slouch. I'm super, super, super pumped. I put my two weeks in on Thursday, which was bittersweet. I will miss my coworkers, esp Lincoln, the Ryans, Chris, Eric Diaz, Surf, and Jason. Those guys have all been great to me, serving as the kind of brothers I've always wanted but never had. After 2 years at Parsons, it will be a strange thing leaving it behind. It helps that I'm leaving it for something really incredible, an opportunity that many don't get in a lifetime.

-&-
Opinion

I don't know what it is about us humans, how we can know one thing but then do something that contradicts it. This year's upcoming Wellness Evaluation at work prompted my coworker and I to discuss health, and we got on the topic of people's inability to make healthy choices despite knowing that they should. We were specifically discussing smoking. He was telling me about visiting the Bodies exhibit, where two pairs of lungs were juxtaposed: one the lungs of a smoker and the other of someone who had never smoked. Apparently it was quite remarkable, and in the exhibit the curators left a bin for people to dump out their cigarettes. He remarked that those same people who threw their cigs out when confronted with the shocking images were probably quick to forget about their visceral reaction as soon as they were outside the museum, wishing they could get back their pack of cigarettes. I agreed. Soon after we leave an image or an article about something that does damage to the body (if you accept the thing being "damaging"...which in the case of cigarettes is a pretty obvious thing to accept) we forget what we just saw/read.

I feel like one of these people--not with smoking but with dairy products. After 6 months of being completely, totally vegan, a couple months back I started eating dairy again, albeit only occasionally. But what started as maybe once a week has become every couple days. On Wednesday morning I was reading more about veganism and animal rights and the health of a plant-based diet, and, as it always does when I'm reading it--confronted with the information--it all makes perfect sense. It's all so clear: if I want to step one bit closer to embodying my ethics I should be vegan. It shouldn't be difficult. I think my biggest problem is buckling to social pressure, eating out places where it's difficult to find anything that is vegan and delicious.

Actress Olivia Wilde has a website called Wildethings.org. On it she talks about how our purchase is our vote, which is something I wholeheartedly believe, and because it is near-impossible to be sure the dairy products you buy are a result of a caring and conscientious environment for the animals (not to mention how difficult it is to guarantee the conditions weren't just gross, and that the product you buy isn't contaminated or unhealthy because of it), it's just not worth it to her to eat the products. I feel the same way, and I should get my actions in line with how I see the world. I'm hopping back on the wagon. Since Wednesday I have not had any dairy. I'm doing well, feeling great, and feeling optimistic that I can keep the ball rolling.

One caveat: I still want the occasional piece of my mom's baked goods (Maman, if you're reading this, I do still want you to make German chocolate cake on special occasions...just try, if you can, to get dairy products from companies that at least claim to be more humane).

My picks for best Vegan spots:
Real Food Daily-Santa Monica and West Hollywood
Kung Pao China Bistro (not completely vegan, but they have an extensive vegan menu)-West Hollywood
Au Lac-Westminster
Native Foods-Costa Mesa, Tustin, Palm Springs, and soon, Chicago!
Herbivore-SF and Berkeley

-&-

In other great news, Erick and I will be attending Chicago's Lollapalooza! I was super sad that I would miss Coachella this year, BUT then I saw that Lollapalooza would be on from Aug 5-7, right when Erick and I have arrived and start to settle in. What better way to get a foothold in a new city?! On top of that, when I'm there with Jenny in July, the Pitchfork Music Festival will be on July 15-17. Neko Case, TV on the Radio, Cut Copy, DJ Shadow? Sweeeeet. Already I'm feeling like Chicago will be a great fit.

Recap: Palin, Tim Burton, Gayngs

2011-06-13T00:50:00.000-07:00

I meant to post this last week, and I guess I got distracted before I hit "Publish Post"...Thanks to my mom for casually reminding me that I take forever to blog sometimes. And thanks to her and my dad for hanging out with us this weekend and seeing Peter Gabriel. Love you guys. xoxo.

-&-

Before I go back in time and try to recap the things I've missed (which, yes, I still plan on doing), there are more recent things I want to cover/comment on.

Firstly, I want to comment on how horrible I feel about the whole Sarah Palin-Paul Revere thing. It shouldn't be newsworthy that Sarah Palin has a verbal faux pas--although in this instance it is particularly funny that she misspoke about Paul Revere while in the Paul Revere house and while on a national tour focusing on America's history. Even as I cringed, watching the youtube footage of her answering the simple question of what she had learned and would take away from her visit, I still wasn't as impacted as when she first came on the scene. It's old hat at this point. The thing that did make me really upset was reading this article in the Washington Post about how defenders of Sarah Palin have been trying to edit the wikipedia page on Paul Revere to match what she said. This situation reminds me of a famous picture that Joseph Stalin had altered so that Leon Trotsky wasn't in the picture anymore. The picture captured a crowd convened to watch a 1920 speech by Vladimir Lenin in Sverdlov Square. The crowd included Leon Trotsky and Lev Kamenev, both of whom were later erased from the picture, Stalin's way of attempting to rewrite history.

Original (Trotsky and Kamenev are in the foreground):

Altered (now they aren't there!):

Another classic Soviet example is a picture of Stalin with Nikolai Yezhov. In the original, Nikolai is there, and in the altered version--released after he was executed--he is no longer in the picture. As if he never was there!

Original (Yezhov is the man on Stalin's left):

Altered (and Poof! he's gone):

Seeing as Sarah Palin can see Russia from Alaska (her foreign policy experience, remember?), the comparison between her trying to cover her butt by explaining away her faux pas and recasting history with Stalin's doctoring of photos seems particularly apropos. Seriously Palin fans? Is it worth making truths even more difficult to discern from contrived nonsense just so Sarah Palin looks more legitimate? Because I really don't think it's working very well. If this one blows by and she remains unscathed, another misstep will show her to be bumbling again. She should have followed Michelle Bachmann's lead, who, after making a similar history blunder, simply admitted she got the facts confused and laughed it off. But no, Sarah Palin CAN'T be wrong. How could she be when she told Katie Couric that she reads everything--every newspaper, every magazine. Gimme a break.

-&-

This past weekend was filled the the brim. Friday, Erick and I started the day by going to L.A. to see the Tim Burton exhibit at LACMA. It was WAY better than I ever imagined, and I had high hopes to begin with. I really dig when museums show pieces by artists that show their process as they build up to the manifestation of famous works and their own flourishing into the fully-realized artist the public knows of. This exhibit did just that, featuring dozens--if not more--sketches, outlines, doodles on napkins, high school art projects, and the like--that showed the progression of Burton's abilities and focus. In his early years he experimented with many forms of animation and comedic subject matter, but he finally found his groove in the aesthetics and subject matter that we now associate him with-- gloomy, macabre, darkly humorous, and whimsical. One of my favorite pieces was a project for school that he did about forms of comedy; his teacher gave him a B+, noting its originality. Another piece I really liked was a children’s book he created in high school and sent to a publisher to review and consider for publication. The museum included the letter Burton received back, telling him that his story was original, the artwork inventive, and that the reviewer looked forward to seeing more of his in the future. I give Burton props for going after publishing a book at that age. He was ambitious from the get-go!

By the end of the exhibit, I had a whole new respect for him. I really admire his tenacity, the way he just kept going with his work, not turning down opportunities and on the contrary seeking them out. He worked hard, stayed focused, and entered multiple art competitions in his hometown of Burbank, where he drew many of his themes, particularly that of the cookie-cutter suburbia that serves as a perfect contrast for his vivid and dark ideas (see Edward Scissorhands or his early superhero stories about Stain Boy).

Here is the entrance to the exhibit, and some people I don't know posing...

We weren't supposed to take pictures, but I got some before I heard that. Here's a cool sculpture he made:
A sketch with watercolors and a little verse that reads,

No one knows what I’m thinking,

No one knows what I’m drinking,

No one knows what pills I swallow,

No one knows that inside I’m hollow,

No one knows that I’m speaking,

No one knows that my brain is leaking,

No one knows,

They can’t see.

No one knows

Especially me.

Sketch of Burton's imagining of Edward Scissorhands:

Cookie cutter robot:

Vincent! Story boards for the short film Vincent, voice by Vincent Price--Burton's hero

Modeled Vincent:
Neon Carousel:
I love this series of number monsters he did. How great would it be to have these in your room as a kid?

More creatures...

The many heads/faces of Jack Skellington:

The finale...blow up dancing creatures set to the tune of music composed by Danny Elfman specifically for the exhibit. So cool!

The entrance again, this time with two people who look like they'd be big fans, just based on their attire.

After Tim Burton, we meandered through some of the other areas in LACMA.

In the Broad Contemporary Art building, there was an exhibition entitled "Human Nature," which I had previously seen, but I liked it so much I wanted Erick to see it too. The exhibit featured works by contemporary artists exploring the nature of the self and what it means to exist in this world. Some of my favorite pieces explored the relationship, often a disconnect, between words or images and meaning. Interpretation is fascinating because what one person understands a phrase or picture to mean may not be what another person interprets...in fact it may even contradict the other. Many of the works caused you to confront expectations and see things a little differently.

The show featured two pieces by my boy David Hammons (whose work is responsible for giving me subject matter worthy of a $1000-winning essay).

His most famous body print, Injustice Case:

This is one of my favorites~Mel Bochner's "Language is not transparent" 1970:

Some others that I love:

Kandinsky!

Then we walked to Luna Park at Wilshire and La Brea...the 1 mile walk was a nice way to get our bodies moving after standing for so long in the museum. My friend introduced me to Luna Park, and it is SOOO good. They make this cauliflower appetizer that is incredible...its baked with capers and pimentos and spices...delicious!

I'm really fond of the restauran's interior; it reminds me of a restaurant that'd be in Brooklyn:

After Luna Park we headed over to Exposition Park to see Gayngs play at the Natural History Museum as part of the NHM's First Fridays program, where they host DJs, musicians, and speakers to enliven a museum usually filled with fossils, bugs, and stuffed dead animals. After walking around, looking at the exhibits showing the evolution of creatures, we went into a big hall with window displays showing different kinds of mammals. At the end of the room a stage was set up, and that's where Gayngs played. Some guy opened for them. I can't remember his stage name, but I didn't like it very much. He was playing over pre-recorded music, strummed a guitar every once in a while, and he sang like he was trying to be Elvis or Johnny Cash. Ick. Thankfully he didn't play that long.

Finally, the members of Gayngs started appearing (there are so many of them!). They took their positions on stage, and soon the show began! The crowd was disappointing. I'm not sure if it was the mood of the museum or what, but the crowd acted a little "too cool." Whatever. I was in the front, had an awesome view, and was about to see night one of two nights of shows. I was in my kind of heaven.

Gayngs in the Age of Mammals room at the L.A. Natural History Museum:
Gayngs' Har Mar Superstar in the white hooded cape he wears when performing his cover of a George Michael song:
Har Mar has a beautiful voice. And he cast Kate Moss in one of his music videos. Instant cool in my book.

Zach Coulter, of Solid Gold:

Chenny Moon Casselle, of Roma di Luna:

They put on an incredible show, playing most of the songs off their album and a couple covers. a perfect night!

-&-

On Saturday Erick and I got a very good start to the day by taking a hike through Peter's Canyon. While we couldn't explore as much as we'd have liked to (we had to pick up my mom at the train to take her for a hair appointment), we still managed a nice workout. The scenery in the Canyon is really beautiful, hilly and wild; walking there reminded me of some of the things I'll miss while I'm away. Since Erick and I had a show at the Casbah in San Diego, we drove my mom home, saw my Dad for a little while, and then headed off to have lunch/early dinner at the Stone Brewery.

Then we drove downtown. We got there early so we walked around Little Italy, grabbed some coffee, and people watched. I was impressed by how busy Little Italy was and how much they've done to improve that part of town. It really looked like it was thriving.

Finally 8:30 pm rolled around and we walked to the Casbah. I had never been there before, but I was impressed. It's an adorable venue. From outside it looks like it's going to be a dump inside, but once you pass through with your ticket it's apparent how cozy and fun a venue it is. There's a little separate bar area with pool tables, an alley-like patio lit with strung Christmas lights, and a main stage area with a few tables with bar stools.

The opening band called themselves Jamuel Saxon. The singer introduced themselves and asked how many people were high like he was. At then end of the show he pointed out that the drummer's parents were there. I wonder if he knew they'd be there when he announced how high he was! For just being 2 guys, they were really fun. The drummer was especially talented.

Finally, Gayngs came on stage!

Ivan, from The Rosebuds:

Har Mar Superstar doing Gayngs' hand symbol:

When the horn guy (probably not his official title) performed a solo, the other members would get on their knees and either throw their arms up toward him as if eliciting power from his playing, or they'd embrace, touch affectionately, or shake their heads soulfully along with the music. It was pretty cute. They were clearly a group that lovvvved their horn section. And who wouldn't?

After the show was over, the members gave each other big hugs. It being the last show on the tour, I imagine it can get pretty emotional knowing you won't be playing gigs together every couple of days.

The shows were terrific...totally worth seeing them 2 nights in a row! Even though Justin Vernon and Mike Noyce of Bon Iver were noticeably absent, the band sounded just as tight and with just as much depth. Luckily for them the band has so many members they easily made adjustments to the lineup. Although they all have other bands and individual music projects, I hope Gayngs isn't just a one-time thing for them. I would love a second album!

I also can't wait to go back to the Casbah. Too bad Peter Murphy tickets sold out.

-&-

Finally, on Sunday my parents drove up and helped me prepare for a dinner with my aunt and uncle for my dad's and uncle's birthdays. We had a great day and dinner turned out delicious: vegan sausage hot dogs with grilled onions, my mom's fantastic italian bread salad and potato salad, and German Chocolate and Carrot cakes for dessert. I fell asleep, happily, snoozing til much later than I should've.

Thanks for helping cook, Maman. And happy birthdays again to my dad and uncle.

-&-

Speaking of exhausted, I am soooo exhausted from this past week, mostly from worrying, but also compounded from being busy. I feel like the weight of my future is pummeling me. By taking a leap and trying something difficult, I'm putting myself out there to potentially fail but also to potentially do great things. Man, I sure hope it's the latter. I've been worrying myself sick. UGH. I need to learn how to worry less. Any suggestions????

-&-

Congrats on graduating with your MPH Sanders. Very proud of you!

[Now Playing- Gayngs' "No Sweat"]

** sorry if there are typos. I was/am tired.

Happy Birthday Mon Pere

2011-06-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

I've been a horrible blogger this past month. I apologize (to Maman and Daddy especially).

I promise tomorrow I will finally get around to providing a run-down of what's been going on. But before I type anything, I want to wish my father a

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Even though his birthday was yesterday, a day-late birthday wish on my blog only makes a birthday that much sweeter...plus, I'm keeping the celebration going longer!!

My Father, the hero:

That goofy guy you see above is hands down the best father for me. I couldn't have dreamed up a better role model--loving, compassionate, honest, funny, loyal, strong (in every sense), and dedicated.

We don't get to pick our family, but if we could, I would have picked Marc Ryken. There's no one better.

Happy Birthday Dad. Love you more than you'll know.

a day late

2011-05-09T23:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to my Maman, who is without a doubt the best mother I could have been paired with.Maman taught me to be kind no matter what (I'm still working on being better about this), and she taught me that style isn't the same as being on-trend. She taught me to appreciate foreign films, art, and great food, but she also taught me to enjoy the simple, free pleasures in life--sitting in the backyard reading, sitting in bed reading, sitting on the couch reading. Did I mention she taught me to love reading? Connected to the love of reading is that she taught me to be curious, to want to know things and to want to question them all. For that, I am especially grateful. I've inherited her list-making (about all the things we want to do and look up and read and go see at the movies), her love for desert, and her hatred of fruit mixed in with other food. Best of all, I think, is I inherited her creativity and her altruism. If I can be 1/100th as wonderful as Maman in my lifetime, I think I'll have done all right.

-&-

Happy 25 birthday Sanders! Sorry you had to share it with Mothers Day. Much love your way for your next year.

Coachella 2011

2011-05-09T22:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry for taking so long to post this. But here it is, a brief rundown of Coachella 2011.

We arrived at the Empire Polo Fields at 9:00pm.
And we didn't get a camping spot until 12:15 am because of the backup of cars slowly proceeding through the thorough car search. It was crazy, but expected, as last year worked the same way. Those 3 hours were spent sitting in the car listening to music and watching people dance, holler "COACHELLA!" in excitement, and generally act like you'd expect people to act waiting in line for something so exciting as three days of live music.

DAY 1

Map of the camping sites:

Some people on the campground had made and were selling feather doohickeys for people to attach to their hair or to a hippie headband. I couldn't believe people were paying $15 for a feather clump to stick in their hair (but to each their own). The girl below in the green underwear/bathing suit/butt cheek baring briefs was one of said feather maker-sellers. Big surprise, eh?

The # and name of our camping row:

This group of Aussie guys seemed to enjoy sitting atop their van with the Australian flag blowing above them, commenting as people passed by.

Where does one find a fur outfit like that worn by the male attendee below?

Some of the inventive, multi-purpose, and rather majestic large-scale art projects on-hand:

-this was a collaboration by artists, one of whom is from the band Spiritualized. Although we never made it inside because the wait was always so long, I read that once inside a person enters a large, cool space with Spiritualized's music playing. I think I also read that there's some kind of light installation inside. Regardless, it was really beautiful day and night.

An awesome sculpture one could climb and then pedal like a bike to make the wings move:

The inside of one of the tents:

Trashcans painted by artists:

Energy producing see-saws. The energy produced by see-sawing was used to power a dj table positioned between two of the tents:

Definitely overkill:

HURTS (the name of the Manchester band):

A slice named after my hero David Bowie! Now where's the Robert Smith slice...

Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears:

The crowd by 3:45pm at the Main Stage:

Ozomatli:
Cee-lo (sadly, the disappointment of the festival-30 mins late, and then in a bad mood to boot):

Lauryn Hill:
The cool Main Stage light show and metal frame/metal curtain installation (this is not the technical description). The metal frame closed in front of the stage between the sets by Interpol and Black Keys:

Black Keys:

After this we fought our way against the avid Kings of Leon fans to leave the Main Stage. We went back to the car for a breather (and to change...it was starting to get cold), then returned to see Swedish pop star Robyn and then Gayngs. By the end of the night my legs were wobbly with exhaustion from standing up for so long. I needed sleep, and as soon as my head hit the pillow that's just what I got...

DAY 2

...until 8:00am when the inside of the tent feels so hot and steamy that you think you might suffocate. Stumble out of the tent, take a nice self-designed shower using bottled water and shampoo/soap, then go explore the campsite offerings: a farmers market, a breakfast buffet, and a ton of food trucks...it's not really like camping at all.

At 11:30 we entered the venue, grabbed some food, and then went to enjoy the day...

Francis and the Lights:

Another piece of art:

Foals:

Only at Coachella would someone wear this out to a concert:

Elbow:

The glow sticks come out at night:

I even looped some on my boots:

Swell Season:

One of the art pieces at night. The three pillars swayed all day and lit up at night to create an eerie, hypnotic scene.

Arcade Fire:

1200+ LED-filled balls descend onto the crowd...

People hit them and they bounce around like beach balls, changing color with the music.

AF say goodbye.

But then they come out for an Encore! At this point people seem to realize that they want to take a giant ball from the AF show home with them. This makes it increasingly difficult to see anything, but it makes for a unique atmosphere as a fan.

Sprawl II--the finale and song that it seemed like everyone was waiting for.

And then like that it was over! Arcade Fire didn't end until 1:00 am, and then a mass exodus followed, which was quite impressive to watch. The sea of people was incredible. The late ending time made Saturday our longest and most tiring day, but it was well worth it. AF put on such an amazing show. They seemed genuinely thrilled to be performing, and they acted every ounce main stage performer caliber. Win kept repeating how in awe they were to be there, and how they don't take for granted their success, and it was believable. He looked like a kid who was just told he could have anything he wanted in a giant toy store. It was adorable.
Exhausted, I could barely walk back to car because, once the music ended, I realized that my feet felt like planks of wood had been nailed to them. Again, once we reached our site, I plopped down on the airbed and fell asleep-hard.

DAY 3

By Day 3 the hours and amount of sun and music were taking their toll. I felt much less energetic, and slower paced. Christy came by our campsite and hung out for a while, which was really nice. Then, we decided to get a move on.

Erick and I entered the venue at 1:30, later than we normally would, but we were so tired. We grabbed some food and then fell asleep under a tent until 3:30. So much for seeing Twin Shadow. Oh well. We woke up in time to see Angus and Julia Stone, Best Coast, The National, Chromeo, and PJ Harvey. (I missed Duran Duran though!!!)

The National:

Katy Perry sitting in the VIP front area for Chromeo:

Chromeo:

David Arquette going to the VIP area for the PJ Harvey set:

PJ Harvey in her fabulous white dress:

A poster one fan made declaring her opinion on PJ Harvey's status:

PJ, along with her band, which includes Mick Harvey (famously of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds), bow and say goodnight. At that point the heavy thumping of Kanye West's performance at the Main Stage is audible and seems funny juxtaposed against PJ Harvey and crew who had just put on a goosebump-inducing performance. I read one critic call the set "harrowing" and I think that's a good description.

Coachella always goes by so quickly. I hope we can make it there again next year.

Other highlights I just couldn't get good pictures of:
Gayngs
The Kills
!!!
Empire of the Sun

After 3 days of nonstop music, we had to depart. It was the perfect time to leave. I was starting to get a little tired of showering with shampoo, soap and cups of water poured over me in the middle of the grass (I didn't want to wait for the porta-showers, plus I thought our method was just as refreshing). Most of all, I wanted to see a real bathroom. I was getting so tired of the porta-potties. To be fair, the Coachella organizers/managers hired workers who do an excellent job keeping the porta-potties clean, but when there are that many people using them they're bound to eventually get gross. As we drove off amidst the debris littering the campsite, it was strange to see so much open space where there had been cars and people for the weekend. All that trash and the markings of people having had so much fun made us a little sad leaving. There's nothing like Coachella. I can't even imagine any other festival would be like it (I know Sasquatch isn't).

I hope we are able to go to Coachella again in the next few years. It's one of the definite highlights of any year.

Until next time Coachella.
xoxox

Re: last post-Osama

2011-05-05T01:24:00.000-07:00

This is a great article about why celebrating a death sends a bad message: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pamela-gerloff/the-psychology-of-revenge_b_856184.html

May the fourth be with you

2011-05-04T23:29:00.000-07:00

It's MAY, the 4th. I never would have realized you could only say "May the FOURTH be with you" on 05-04 of each year. Thanks to those crazy Star Wars nerds I now am aware. Thanks.

-&-

Speaking of nerds...

Kate Moss gets 5 covers this month!!! It's like Xmas and my birthday all wrapped in one.

Harpers Bazaar UK:

Wearing a fabulous Alexander McQueen dress (remember it from the Hologram at the end of the show in 2006 was it?)

Paris Vogue:

Vogue Japan:
Vogue Brazil, shot by the fabulous Mario Testino:

Which is your favorite? I think mine is the Paris Vogue cover. I think the red lipstick looks killer on her. But I also really like the HB UK where she's in the Alexander McQueen ethereal dress. Decisions decisions...

-&-

The Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Met opens. See a preview here...And here's some great runway footage of Alexander McQueen's shows over the years. He was, if nothing else, a fantastic showman. His runway shows were truly shows. It is such a tragedy that in spite of his talent--and other peoples' obvious affection for him-- Alexander "Lee" McQueen felt the need to end his life. I understand that it must seem like there's no other way out before a person makes the decision to kill himself, but it leaves such a trail of sadness behind it's hard to see that side of things when there's no more time left to talk and change their mind. Selfishly, to all those who love a person who dies, it feels unfair. I try to see it from the dead person's perspective: perhaps death truly was the only way to end pain; it's hard to empathize with suicide victims. Hopefully I'll never face such a dilemma in my life--live in pain? or die and leave a wake of sadness behind? Eck, I can't imagine. On a more positive note, Alexander McQueen left behind a large body of work and a tremendous reputation. This exhibit pays homage to that. AND I will be in NY while it's still open: huzzah!

-&-

What will Obama's announcement on an "undisclosed matter" be? Osama Bin Laden is dead. Wow, crazy. And yet I feel more conflicted about the whole thing because of many Americans' responses to the death. Regardless of how bad Bin Laden was, I find it tacky that fireworks were set off in celebration, that people ran around in the streets cheering, and that people generally acted like it was the 4th of July. A person died. And not only that, but it was a person who was a significant world figure. For some people, he was important for perceived "noble" reasons and for others he was significant because of the toxic ideology he spread and the deaths he caused. Either way, this should be a solemn occasion in my opinion. This is one of those instances that marks a shift. We don't yet know the quality of the post-Osama era we are entering. We can have a say in what that looks like, however. But we present an immediate obstacle to moving toward peaceful coexistence and discussions by once again prematurely acting like America is "king of the world," the victor, and that we are #1. Even if we think it, it's the kind of sentiment that needs to be dealt with gently--like knowing you are the best at a sport yet demurring when people tell you that you are, humbly accepting the title. Instead, maybe crack jokes to your friends and family about how Osama was tall enough to be on the Lakers.

-&

One of my favorite movies. Ever. Can't see it enough times.

I heart James Spader.

And great soundtrack too!

[Now Playing: Lizzie West-Chariots Rise]

btw...

pics of Kate thanks to Stylecaster.com

Death and other things

2011-04-26T23:33:00.000-07:00

I only saw today as I was reading more about TV on the Radio's new album, which I'd been enjoying all weekend, that their bassist/keyboardist Gerard Smith died of lung cancer last Wednesday. Smith's death is particularly tragic seeing as he was only in his 30s (some reports say 34, some say 36). There's a sweet homage to him in The Guardian.

-&-

Tonight Erick and I watched the documentary Jean-Michele Basquiat: The Radiant Child. The movie was really fascinating, filled with a lot of great footage of Jean-Michele speaking about his art, his life, and his dreams, as well as interview footage with many people who knew him. His life serves as a frightening tale of what can happen when one earns the fame and fortune one's looking for but earns it way too quickly.

One thing that particularly stood out to me from the interviews with his friends is how hard he worked to prove his worth to his father. His father, a financially successful businessman of Haitian birth, never validated Jean-Michele's success let alone his talents. One of the people in the film mentions that when people get famous they look back to the people they knew before fame and seek their support, and in Jean-Michele's case he wasn't ever able to really find that in his father. I thought that was very, very sad. Another devastating moment in his life came after his failed collaboration with Andy Warhol. Their friendship fell apart and before they could repair what once seemed perfect, Warhol died. Too late to make amends, Jean-Michele could only express his love for his friend through art.

In the end, Jean-Michele Basquiat left over 1,000 paintings and 1,000 drawings: crazy for someone who died at 27. The film, which I'm assuming was titled after an article written about Basquiat published in Art Forum, begins with Langston Hughes' poem "The Genius Child":

This is a song for the genius child.  Sing it softly, for the song is wild.  Sing it softly as ever you can -  Lest the song get out of hand.
Nobody loves a genius child.

Can you love an eagle,  Tame or wild?  Can you love an eagle,  Wild or tame?  Can you love a monster  Of frightening name?

Nobody loves a genius child.

Kill him - and let his soul run wild.

It's a beautiful film. And it's on Netflix instant so go watch it!

-&-

On happier notes...

Yesterday when I stayed home sick I watched the entire first season (only 6 episodes) of Portlandia, the IFC series with Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein. I hadn't heard of it until this past weekend when Marian and Jenny told me about it...but man is it wacky--crazy funny. Its setup is similar to Michael Ian Black's show Stella, except in this case the vignettes don't follow any one particular person or persons. In Portlandia the vignettes jump around to recurring characters played by Fred and Carrie, as well as guests like Kyle MacLachlan (in a hilarious role as Mayor of Portland), Steve Buscemi (as a guy who just wants to use the restroom at a feminist bookstore), Gus Van Sant (as himself) and Aimee Mann (as herself, working as a house cleaner). One of my favorite bits is the following, a song about how Portland keeps the "dream of the 90s" alive. Having been to Portland 3 times, and having it confirmed by Jenny Frey who lived there, this video hits the nail on the head about Portland. My fave line--"where young people go to retire!" Ah Portland, a utopia for the "alternative."

-&-

I saw this on the Instagram popular page. So great. Tom Hanks was on this past week's 30 Rock too. He seems to be all over the place! With a face like that, who would mind?

Happy Birthday Robert Smith!!!!

2011-04-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today is Robert Smith's 52nd bday. Happy Birthday to the most all-around-wonderful frontman in the world.

Ah he's such a cutie.

-&-

I fully intend to devote an entire entry to the wonderful weekend that was Coachella 2011, but for the time being I want to mention how much more in love I fell with Gayngs. Seeing them live was so amazing. Seeing as there are so many people in the band, it's hard to know who contributed what to the album, but live you get to see each of the members do their thing--and it is quite a fun performance. They all look like they are having so much fun...

I found some videos of them performing live. It's worth taking a look:

Here's The Walker at Coachella:

And my favorite of their songs, Faded High:

City of Music: Gayngs from MPLS.TV on Vimeo.

I love music.

Vegas tomorrow. xoxoxox!!!

Happy

2011-04-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight, two of my best friends in the whole universe arrive in Orange County for a weekend in Vegas. Am I excited??? How could I not be??? Just look at the beautiful smiles on these classy broads...

Distractions

2011-04-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Only 4 more days until Coachella. But that's not all I have to look forward to in the next months in CA. Here's a list I've got going.

April 15-17: COACHELLA, the beast of concerts. Tons of music jam packed into three days.
April 19: Tina Fey interviewing Steve Martin @ Nokia Theatre
April 22-24: Las Vegas with Marian and Jenny Frey.
May 2: TV on the Radio at 4th and B
May 14: The Kills at Fox Pomona
May 21: Echo and the Bunnymen at Club Nokia
May 22: Echo and the Bunnymen at HOB Anaheim
May 27-30: SF with Sanders
May 28: Armistead Maupin's "Tales of the City" on stage in SF
May 31: Lykke Li at the Wiltern (and my Dad's birthday!)
June 11: Peter Gabriel at the Santa Barbara Bowl
June 12: Janelle Monae at Gibson Ampitheatre
June 13: Florence and the Machine at the Greek
June 14: Florence and the Machine at the Greek
June 24: MARIAN's bday
June 25: Tribute bands The Cured, Murmur and Still Ill at Belly Up
Jul 1: Blonde Redhead at the Echoplex

Ayeyayaya. I don't know if I have the stamina for this!

Pensions, art, and, yes, coachella

2011-04-11T00:28:00.001-07:00

This evening when I went to the gym, I started to read this week's Economist. The special section is on the problem with pensions. With people living longer, retirement age and the method of saving for retirement needs both need to adjust accordingly to remain financially feasible. This, however, is a hard truth that many people aren't willing to face up to (see, for instance, the recent situation in France where people protested--rather violently--the increase in retirement age to 62). I'll admit, working isn't the best thing to do with one's time, but I find there is satisfaction in working when I put it into the perspective of it being a portion of me doing my part for the economic health of my country as a whole. I think the special segment is worth a read, if for no other reason than it might make the years ahead filled with work feel not only more palatable but also noble. There are some scary statistics in the report too, including the forecast that the world's average ratio of working people to retirees (in other words, people who need other people to work in order to afford a decent standard of living) is going to be 2:1 by 2050. And that's just an average; some countries are set to be worse off than that!

Read some articles here:
70 or Bust: Current plans to raise retirement age are not bold enough
A nudge and a wink: How to persuade employees to provide for their old age
Too much, too young-Watch your wallets: the baby-boomers are beginning to retire

-&-

Today I went to Los Angeles County Museum of Modern Art with my coworker/friend Eric Diaz. Before we made it to the museum, we stopped into Street, one of my favorite LA restaurants. Drawing from "street food" from all over the world, the restaurant presents a wide array of unique meals. It is definitely one of my top recommendations. Especially the Kaya Toast from Singapore. It was a beautiful day so we sat in the courtyard, which has been been painted to evoke the street art of cities around the world.

After a delicious lunch we headed over to LACMA. Eric had yet to visit the Broad Contemporary wing, so we spent most of our time there. Here are some of my favorite pieces of the day:

I LOVE visiting art museums. LACMA has an exhibit currently up called Human: Nature that features a bunch of contemporary art pieces, and I was very excited to see that they had TWO David Hammons pieces up. I wrote a paper on David Hammons in college that won me $1,000 so I'll always have a super-soft-spot for him. Besides an innovative artist with a truly quirky yet approachable aesthetic, he seems like he's one cooool dude. I'm glad to see his work getting some love.

-&-

4 more days until Coachella...I can hardly wait! I've already started packing.

The Final Countdown

2011-04-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our Coachella wristbands came in the mail. And to my surprise/delight, this year the folks at Coachella have gotten all swanky on us. The wristbands came in the following awesome packaging, which probably added $10 to the cost of the ticket-but oh well.

Here it is closed up:

When you open it, the wristbands, which have electronic chips inside, sit cozily awaiting application:
When you take out the wristband holder, you are greeted with several goodies, mostly unnecessary but fun nevertheless. A calendar with all the past posters used, a Coachella car decal, a map of the polo fields, and a series of cards that when put together spells Coachella.

THIS is a great keepsake.

ONLY A WEEK AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Could it get any better than 3 days of music?

10 more days

2011-04-04T21:39:00.000-07:00

I can't stop listening to Angus and Julia Stone.

Coachella in 2 weeks!!!!

crazy documentation

2011-03-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

Pictures from the uprising in Libya.

At times beautiful, at other times horrifying, these photos represent to me the ultimate form of historical acknowledgment. Those men and women who chase danger in order to document life in various moments and from various perspectives make such an incredible contribution to us all. Particularly when thought of in terms of the future, of the lasting impact of their creative endeavors, what they do is unusually poignant. Think of all the museum exhibits of photographs documenting pain, suffering, joy, genocide, government transformations, cultural eccentricities, etc, etc, etc, and you have to wonder why we don't learn about those photographers in history books. They fill in the blanks that our eyes can't catch and that time doesn't allow us to all catch in-the-moment. When we can't be there, or when we didn't even know being there matters, there's a photographic journalist there to take photos of what we would otherwise miss.

What a crazy, exiting, privilege.

[Now Playing: Francis and the Lights-"For Days"]

New York

2011-03-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long delay. I've been exhausted from work and worrying about law school, not to mention the usual concerts, late night walks with Erick, and trying to fit reading in among that...But, finally, I will summarize the New York trip, and all that's been going on...

We left late on a Thursday night on a red eye flight, just the way I like it. One valium later and I was sleeping not-so-peacefully, but sleeping nonetheless. Two sodas and one small bag of nuts later, we landed in NYC, bright and early and raring to go. We went straight to our hotel in Midtown West, but of course we were there way too early. I was anxious because I had set up an appointment to meet with the Director of the Institute of Fashion Law at Fordham, and I had thought I would have the chance to freshen up/change before my 1:45 appointment. Not so. Thank goodness I don't schlub it up on airplane travel because I would have been mortified meeting a potential professor of mine wearing ragged clothes. I wanted to look like I had actually prepared for the meeting, not jumped off an airplane and barely made it in one piece. So Erick and I dropped our bags off at the hotel (Ink48, which I highly recommend!) and then proceeded to walk around the town killing time. Seeing as it was Erick's first trip to NYC, I wanted to show him highlights. Naturally, I imagined Central Park would be the perfect place to take him. Unfortunately, what I didn't think about was that it was still the end of winter, which in Central Park means not much green, in fact quite the opposite--a lot of brown. Ah well. On the way there we went through Times Square, Broadway, and ate lunch at a cute French restaurant. We also passed multiple elmos handing out fliers. But that's besides the point...

Around noon I began to get anxious about the time, and I wanted to find a place to buy a notebook and pen (to take notes while speaking with the Director). We walked all over the Upper West Side, then settled in around Lincoln Center where Fordham is. We sat for a while as the clock counted down to 1:45. Finally it was time and I went in to meet Dr. Scafidi. She had tried to squeeze me in but made no promises. I crossed my fingers that she would be able to see me. It was my lucky day! As I sat in a chair in the faculty corridor, I saw a woman turn the corner. I immediately recognized it as Dr. Scafidi. I was elated. She thanked ME for taking time to meet with her (I laughed inside at this for it was me who was the fortunate one) and I told her, no, no, it is I who is thankful to you for making time for me. We ended up talking for 45 minutes about our interests, our past, and our shared passion for academia and fashion. I could see myself working with this woman who was bright, passionate about her work, super successful, friendly and charming to boot. After our lively talk, we went our separate ways--her to a meeting and me to go get Erick for the scheduled tour we had at 3:00--and I kid you not I think I floated on air out of the building. My smile radiated. From a block away Erick could tell I was happy. And I was. I felt like my old self again. The parts of me that I value the most--parts that thrive in school--were alive again, and I was in heaven. It's this feeling, I thought, that makes me want to go back to school and reach the highest point in education that I can. For me, there's nothing like that feeling.

At 3:00 we began our campus tour. Led by a 2L student, the tour got off to a lively start, which was good since law school can be a pretty serious/daunting topic to discuss. Our guide first took us into the library and a short, stout man--well-kempt and eager looking--welcomed us with gusto. He went on to tell us all about how wonderful the library is and how the librarians are there to help us. All of this he said with a mischievous yet generous smile and humor to spare. The guide then took us around the school and he used every landmark as an opportunity to tell us something about the school down to the smallest details. He was funny, nice, open to questions, and most importantly he was thorough, answering questions we didn't even know we should have. I feel like even if Fordham wasn't someone's first choice, the tour he gave would be applicable to law school in general. I left feeling more excited about going to law school than I have ever really felt. Rather than focusing on what I will be able to do after law school, I focused on what it will be like to go through school on a day-to-day basis. Rather than focusing on the anxiety of those three years, the guide focused on all the opportunities. Opportunities! I love that word.

All in all the hours at Fordham were very well spent.

After the Fordham visit we walked over to Rockefeller Center. Besides wanting to see the NBC building and show Erick the skating rink that has become such an iconic landmark, I also wanted to check out the Anthropologie nearby. Could the Anthro in NYC be as good as the ones in LA? Yes, it could. The store did not disappoint. Turns out that one of their head designers, who travels the globe finding special pieces, decorates this branch as well as the London store. It was a jaw dropping experience for an Anthro fan like myself. Here's the view as you reach the top of the stairs (gasp!):

By the time we made it to Rockefeller Center, I was getting tired. The adrenaline rush of excitement coasting on little sleep was failing me. More excruciatingly, my feet felt like they would go on strike at any minute. I had worn one pair of boots--heels--and in a bid to try and pack light didn't bring any other shoes. Heeled boots aren't meant for the kind of walking I do when I'm in a city...miles, and miles. Every step felt like pins up my soles. Over by the skating rink, I sought a ledge for solace from the pain. The air was becoming crisper and crisper. Thoughts of teleporting to the hotel never fell far from my mind. And my stomach--it too competed for my attention. I was sooo hungry! And I had lost my hat. Damn.

At Rockefeller Center, trying to stay warm, I begrudgingly posed for a picture.

After a few minutes I mustered up the courage to walk to our hotel, and hopefully find food along the way. It felt like an eternity, but we finally did make it to a Thai restaurant near our hotel. Sitting down for an hour over hot noodles was just what I needed. ...Except that sitting down allowed the exhaustion to creep in. I needed a nap! I stood up after dinner and hoped for the best, that if nothing else I could be dragged to bed.

Finally, when my feet felt like they couldn't make it any longer, we made it to the hotel and checked in. When we walked into the room it was like a dream...it was huge! And the view was incredible. The pictures we took don't do it justice, it was so nice in real life. The hotel may not have been on a busy, touristy street, or in a prime area, but it was so warm, welcoming, and comfortable! And it wasn't in a bad area either...just a little bit off the beaten path. I'd say about 2-3 blocks off of Times Square area. The employees were really nice, everything was clean, and the bed was unbelievably comfy. There were even different types of pillows to choose from. Napping couldn't come fast enough. I don't think I even landed on the bed before I fell asleep.

When we woke up at 10pm we felt antsy but not inspired enough to walk blocks to go anywhere. Luckilyy for us Ink48 has a gorgeous rooftop bar/restaurant. There, in the "Press Room" as it's called (the hotel is in a building that was once a printing press so it has a print/newspaper/media theme), we found a little couch in a covered patio to enjoy a drink and some snacks. Around us were groups that didn't appear to be hotel guests but rather people from around town enjoying the night on a rooftop bar. I couldn't blame them. I too would do the same occasionally if I lived there.

After a while we ventured out into the cold to see the view from the rooftop. The view was worth the chill...

On Saturday, we traveled to Brooklyn to meet up with Amirtha and see the sights. We got off the subway near Prospect Park and walked through Park Slope to meet Amirtha at a coffee shop called Ozzie's. On our way we walked through a charming farmers market filled with people enjoying their weekend with friends and family and dogs. I could definitely imagine myself comfortably living in Brooklyn.

After Mirth met us at Ozzie's we walked through Brooklyn to her part of town--Carroll Gardens. The streets, lined with beautiful old brownstones, and naked trees, charmed us all. It's always enjoyable to watch as someone else experiences something for the first time, and as I watched Erick in awe of yet another unique, memorable aspect of NY, I felt happy.

Mirth took us to Frankie's 457 for some AMAZING Italian food. Here's a pic of Mirth in the restaurant giving the camera her usual surprised expression, which she has has named "Fresh Eyes" (an accentuated version is shown in the second picture).

We went back to Mirth's place and hung out with her roommates for a bit. Then Erick and I departed to go back to Manhattan. We spent the evening in the Lower East Side, traipsing around Greenwich Village alongside the hipsters and the college students. The atmosphere of the area was so refreshing, abuzz with all kinds of people. I wondered as I passed many faces, what were they going to do tonight? what did they do for a living? were they students? were they from NY originally? if not, where from? My mind was filled with questions.

We walked up 5th avenue past the Empire State Building and back across to our hotel in Midtown West. Tired and content, we enjoyed another relaxing end of the night at the Press Room.

Finally, and sadly, Sunday came. Our last day. We got ambitious in the morning and decided to walk in the rain through Hell's Kitchen down to Chelsea. Along the walk we saw all shapes and heights of buildings, aged and full of history lessons we'd love to learn one day. Just not today. I managed to find another Anthropologie (hurray!), and popped in there for a second. We eventually turned back, took a cab, and picked our bags up at the hotel. We planned on taking the subway to the airport, however our plans did not go as we thought they would. The subway line we were told would be best wasn't stopping at the station we were at on the Sunday, so we got on another line, only to find out once down in Greenwich, that we'd better get above ground and hail a cab or we would never make the airport. We did as told and made it to the airport 30 mins before our flight. We ran in the airport only to hear a dreaded sentence: "We can't let you on this flight. We could, except for the fact that you have to check your bag." AHHH the checked bag! It already costs money to check a bag, and now I see that it can actually cost you much more by holding you back!! Oy vey. Luckily there was a flight in 3 hours leaving. But I did have to pay a fee (on top of the cab ride bill!).

Put in perspective (thank you Erick), it wasn't the end of the world. In fact, it was just a funny anecdote to cap the end of a dreamy weekend.

PETER!!!

2011-03-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

bookmark

2011-03-09T22:05:00.001-08:00

I know I promised a recap of New York. I will...with pictures...I promise. However, I have an assignment I have to finish for work tomorrow (bummer). So in the interim, here are a few things that got me SUPER excited today....

The Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter show, which brought supermodels from days past back from catwalk hibernation--Stella Tennant, Carolyn Murphy, Amber Valetta, Naomi Campbell, and--bum bum bum, most exciting of all--KATE MOSS.

You can fast forward to about 9 1/2 mins to see Kate Moss appear, swaggering around the runway with a cigarette like she owns the place. It's the perfect moment to encapsulate why she's such an icon. She's wearing a ridiculous bodysuit, with her hair pulled back too severely, and she still looks like she has confidence running out of her pores. I thought some of the clothes were pretty...mostly the shimmery skirts. I found many of the jackets and coats a tad boxy, and the see-through clothes looked like bee-keeper outfits. I did, however, like the boots. My favorite though are the stilettos with the three straps that have the oh-so-delicate bows on them. Sigh...The stage is masterful. What a neat concept having the models appear out of the elevators.

And Kate Moss, always a good sport, playing a stalker for Comic Relief charity fundraising:

I (heart) New York

2011-03-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

I'm packing for NY and it seems there just isn't enough room for all the things I want to wear while I'm there. An opportunity to wear boots and scarves and coats and hats??? ahhh...

I will post a synopsis of the trip when I return on Sunday night.

-&-

More Kate Moss on ShowStudio.com...
Editing Kate.

-&-

[now playing: Noisettes' "Every Now and Then" (for the fourth time in a row)]

Less the wiser and more the painful

2011-02-22T17:50:00.000-08:00

I had all four wisdom teeth pulled Friday, and it is hands down the worst surgery recovery I've ever been through. Most painful: check. Most uncomfortable: check. Most disgusting: check. Most disfiguring: check. The pictures above are from today. It's as if the bruising is getting worse and will be permanent. The pain shows no signs of subsiding, and on the contrary seems to be growing. I think my head will split open. To make matters worse, it hurts to smile (the one major thing I had going for me). AAAGH.

Pleeeeeeeeeeease let this pain go away soooon!!!!!!!!!!

-&-

In more aggravating news, check out Rush Limbaugh calling Michelle Obama a hypocrite for wanting Americans to eat healthier but not looking like a Sports Illustrated model. How dare she. The article summarizes his tirade, but to really get the full effect of his idiocy, you've got to listen to the clip.

about to lose some wisdom

2011-02-18T10:49:00.000-08:00

Prepping myself for my wisdom teeth extraction. Some anti-anxiety medicine.....

BRIT awards

2011-02-15T22:36:00.000-08:00

I wish I was in London. In the aftermath of the giant mess of the Grammys, the BRIT awards were held in London on Tuesday. As if the British aren't already cooler than us, they had to totally upstage our Grammys with a show that was 1) better executed and 2) has cooler award statues (theirs were designed by Ms. Vivienne Westwood herself!).

At the BRIT awards, Arcade Fire won Best International Band and Best International Album of the Year. In their acceptance speech they thanked the British bands that had influenced them-- New Order, Bowie, Depeche Mode, The Smiths!!! And I'm sure they were thinking The Cure too even though they didn't say it. Win also mentioned "we're the Arcade Fire. Google us" which makes me think they saw the blog whoisarcadefire.tumblr.com, which is cataloging all the post-Grammys web comments by people not knowing who Arcade Fire are and why the hell they would win.

Here they are winning one of 2 statues:

First a Grammy and now the BRIT award! On fire....

Cee-lo nabbed International Male of the Year. In his acceptance speech he too thanked all the British artists who had inspired him, and then pointed out Boy George in particular, which I thought was great!

To top it all off, Adele performed. Ah she with the most beautiful of voices!

When she starts crying at the end of the song, I felt tears welling up myself. Was she thinking of someone she loves?

Valentines Day

2011-02-15T14:04:00.000-08:00

The Lady Killer, himself

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

And the winner is...Arcade Fire!

2011-02-13T21:51:00.000-08:00

One of the worst weekends in my life ended with a sweet victory: not my victory, but Arcade Fire's, which in a way is like a victory for all people who root for the underdog at mainstream events like the Grammys. Seeing that AF won the Album of the Year Grammy was a shock. I only wish I had a TV so I could have seen it live. :( I'm waiting for video footage to be posted somewhere (twiddles thumbs)...So far I've only seen pictures of the band smiling, dumbstruck, with Win holding the Grammy in the air. Who woulda thunk they'd win??? All over the news, AF's win is being called an upset, a surprise, perhaps an indicator that the Grammys are getting better? Whatever it is, I'm just happy they won.

My mother, my hero of the day

2011-02-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

I was overwhelmed and sad this evening. But then my mother said the exact words I never would have guessed I needed to hear but did:

you are the word of the day. you are a philomath.

Philomath: (n.) A lover of learning; a scholar.

When I read these words, part of a response to my rambling succession of worries, my heart popped like a balloon, and I cried. I cried at my desk quietly, and not in a sad, desperate way. It was a release. I had floated so far above ground that Maman's words punctured the world-weary skin I was ensconcing myself in.

Like an infant quiet from the touch of her mother, I too felt a sense of inner quiet from my mother's comfort. This quiet, though I know it will be temporary, is a welcome respite from my usually dizzying mind.

Thanks Maman. You are the best.

I'm off

Congrats Ms. Moss

2011-02-04T08:48:00.000-08:00

Kate Moss and Jaime Hince are engaged!!! Model + rock star. How perfect is that?

You can just barely glimpse the vintage engagement ring he picked out for her in this picture of her in Paris. Hopefully this engagement will last (she was engaged to Johnny Depp for a year or something like that). I quite like Jamie. He's in a band I like a lot and he seems to have actually managed to calmed the legendary party goer down a bit.

Speaking of Jamie Hince, I bought tickets to see The Kills at the Fox Theatre in Pomona. I'm excited to hear their new album, which will be out just in time for release before we see them at Coachella.

I know I need to stop buying concert tickets...but...I...just....can't. Luckily my taste runs more low-budget (think $10-30 a ticket) than high-budget (like a Madonna or Justin Bieber). Plus, it won't be long before I will not have any time to go out for concerts in the eve.

-&-

Speaking of concerts...

Erick and I went to see Little Dragon on Wednesday night. They are terrific, so I was stoked to see them, however the venue--UC Riverside's "The Barn"--left quite a lot to be desired. Surrounded by college students lamenting their Facebook woes (seriously we heard at least 3 separate groups talking about Facebook) and the stink of french fries, sliders, and pizza being sold in the back, I started to feel a little woozy. Also... there were ONLY porta-potties, which I actually don't mind at events like Coachella, but on a college campus at night? It's weird... And since the stage in the Barn was only a tad lifted above the floor, it was nearly impossible to see the petite Yukimi. The vibe was very different from the usual shows we go too. We deduced that it must have been because many people were there just because it was a cheap show on campus, not because they love Little D.

The band played some new songs off of a forthcoming album, which was exciting. Can't wait to hear what that'll sound like!

-&-

I'm trying to thaw the numbness of being kind of sad today. Good music (and some dark chocolate) is helping.

[Now Playing: Raphael Saadiq-"Still Ray"]

Food, February, and Phil

2011-02-02T12:39:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me knows I try to make good decisions with my eating for the well being of the planet. It's easier for me to believe that my purchasing power and food consumption makes a difference than my official vote does.

Mark Bittman, one of my favorite food writers (TED speaker, NY Times journalist, and author), is an active proponent of making responsible food choices. In the NY Times he wrote up a list he calls a "Food Manifesto for the Future." It's a very simplified list of important considerations, but one that is a crucial read. You can follow this link or read it right here:

For decades, Americans believed that we had the world’s healthiest and safest diet. We worried little about this diet’s effect on the environment or on the lives of the animals (or even the workers) it relies upon. Nor did we worry about its ability to endure — that is, its sustainability.

That didn’t mean all was well. And we’ve come to recognize that our diet is unhealthful and unsafe. Many food production workers labor in difficult, even deplorable, conditions, and animals are produced as if they were widgets. It would be hard to devise a more wasteful, damaging, unsustainable system.

Here are some ideas — frequently discussed, but sadly not yet implemented — that would make the growing, preparation and consumption of food healthier, saner, more productive, less damaging and more enduring. In no particular order:

End government subsidies to processed food. We grow more corn for livestock and cars than for humans, and it’s subsidized by more than $3 billion annually; most of it is processed beyond recognition. The story is similar for other crops, including soy: 98 percent of soybean meal becomes livestock feed, while most soybean oil is used in processed foods. Meanwhile, the marketers of the junk food made from these crops receive tax write-offs for the costs of promoting their wares. Total agricultural subsidies in 2009 were around $16 billion, which would pay for a great many of the ideas that follow.

Begin subsidies to those who produce and sell actual food for direct consumption. Small farmers and their employees need to make living wages. Markets — from super- to farmers’ — should be supported when they open in so-called food deserts and when they focus on real food rather than junk food. And, of course, we should immediately increase subsidies for school lunches so we can feed our youth more real food.

Break up the U.S. Department of Agriculture and empower the Food and Drug Administration. Currently, the U.S.D.A. counts among its missions both expanding markets for agricultural products (like corn and soy!) and providing nutrition education. These goals are at odds with each other; you can’t sell garbage while telling people not to eat it, and we need an agency devoted to encouraging sane eating. Meanwhile, the F.D.A. must be given expanded powers to ensure the safety of our food supply. (Food-related deaths are far more common than those resulting from terrorism, yet the F.D.A.’s budget is about one-fifteenth that of Homeland Security.)

Outlaw concentrated animal feeding operations and encourage the development of sustainable animal husbandry. The concentrated system degrades the environment, directly and indirectly, while torturing animals and producing tainted meat, poultry, eggs, and, more recently, fish. Sustainable methods of producing meat for consumption exist. At the same time, we must educate and encourage Americans to eat differently. It’s difficult to find a principled nutrition and health expert who doesn’t believe that a largely plant-based diet is the way to promote health and attack chronic diseases, which are now bigger killers, worldwide, than communicable ones. Furthermore, plant-based diets ease environmental stress, including global warming.

Encourage and subsidize home cooking. (Someday soon, I’ll write about my idea for a new Civilian Cooking Corps.) When people cook their own food, they make better choices. When families eat together, they’re more stable. We should provide food education for children (a new form of home ec, anyone?), cooking classes for anyone who wants them and even cooking assistance for those unable to cook for themselves.

Tax the marketing and sale of unhealthful foods. Another budget booster. This isn’t nanny-state paternalism but an accepted role of government: public health. If you support seat-belt, tobacco and alcohol laws, sewer systems and traffic lights, you should support legislation curbing the relentless marketing of soda and other foods that are hazardous to our health — including the sacred cheeseburger and fries.

Reduce waste and encourage recycling. The environmental stress incurred by unabsorbed fertilizer cannot be overestimated, and has caused, for example, a 6,000-square-mile dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico that is probably more damaging than the BP oil spill. And some estimates indicate that we waste half the food that’s grown. A careful look at ways to reduce waste and promote recycling is in order.

Mandate truth in labeling. Nearly everything labeled “healthy” or “natural” is not. It’s probably too much to ask that “vitamin water” be called “sugar water with vitamins,” but that’s precisely what real truth in labeling would mean.

Reinvest in research geared toward leading a global movement in sustainable agriculture, combining technology and tradition to create a new and meaningful Green Revolution.

I’ll expand on these issues (and more) in the future, but the essential message is this: food and everything surrounding it is a crucial matter of personal and public health, of national and global security. At stake is not only the health of humans but that of the earth.

-&-

It's the best month of the year. Enjoy February. It's short and will be over before you know it.

-&-

Happy Groundhog Day and a (Bill) Murray Springmas to you (Early Spring according to the groundhog).

EJL BDAY

2011-01-29T10:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Erick's birthday. While he abhors his birthday, I couldn't let the day go by without some recognition.

Happy Birthday my love!

xoxoxoxoxox

2 years

2011-01-27T22:29:00.000-08:00

It has now been 2 years since my big accident, and on this day I feel nothing but joy. It has only been 2 years yet it has also already been 2 years (that would make more sense if you could hear me say it). I have so much to be appreciative of in my life. Even in the two weeks on the road trip with Erick (after the exciting Colombia trip!), I saw so many wonderful things. I can barely believe how much I've seen and done and am on the way to doing from when I was hit until now.
Crazy!

Just a brief glimpse into the road trip:

Happy new year

IT's UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-19T07:48:00.001-08:00

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Arcade Fire, Duran Duran, Cee-Lo, PJ Harvey, Swell Season, Warpaint, Hurts, The National, the London Suede, Cold War Kids, Glasser, Cut Copy, Elbow, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Raphael Saadiq, Cold War Kids, New Pornographers, Phantogram, Animal Collective, Broken Social Scene, The Kills (Kate Moss is dating Jaime...would she maybe be at Coachella???), Klaxons, Interpol, !!!, Crystal Castles, Big Audio Dynamite, Yacht, Kele (of Bloc Party), Best Coast, Twin Shadow....And there's all kinds of bands that I'll need to look into.

Sadly, no Mew. :(

SO EXCITED!!!

Well, off to surgery. The day's starting off good so far. Wish me luck!

Coachella Part 2

2011-01-13T23:24:00.001-08:00

Tonight coachella.com has a video posted on their home page. The video is Phantogram's music video for "Mouthful of Diamonds." Me thinks the Goldenvoice people are hinting at artist's who will be playing, one music video at a time until they finally unveil the big lineup. They're pulling the band aid off slowly!! It's killing me.

Coachella

2011-01-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

An apparently fake Coachella lineup poster going around. Even if it is fake, it's a pretty dreamy lineup. I got really excited when I saw it because of how many of my predictions were spot-on (but apparently the creator of this fake poster does think Paul Weller and Bryan Ferry are too British). Even bands I didn't think could be possible but would love to see (Bat for Lashes!! Feist!!!) are included in fake Coachella.

Check it out and see what you think.

Fatcats

2010-12-22T00:24:00.000-08:00

It's stormy. This matches how I felt last night as I watched Capitalism: A Love Story. But Andrea, don't you love storms?, you might ask. And yes, that's true. Likewise, I love the feeling I get when I am inspired, which is how I felt as I watched Michael Moore's film. Love him or hate him, I think one would be hard pressed to deny many of the points he makes in this film. Sure, he is a left-leaning commentator, but I appreciate that he does not hide behind a (false) veneer of objectivity. On the contrary he makes it quite clear how he feels, and where he's coming from.

I already knew that huge corporations are evil and heartless. This film just intensified my feeling. Life insurance policies on employees? Pilots only making $16,000 a year? The banks screwing us all? Ah it's frustrating to know that you have to participate within the system that makes things this way. How do I remain authentic and good even as I have to work within these parameters. One day at at time. I believe my purchase is my vote, still, too. And as long as capitalism reigns supreme in America, my purchasing vote is the more important vote I have.

I'm about to fall asleep at kitchen counter right now. bed calls. But I don't want to miss the sound of rain.

Rain, rain, rain.

[Now Playing: Combination of the rain and the Cure's album Disintegration. "Prayers for Rain" is very apropos tonight.]

Today

2010-12-15T22:52:00.001-08:00

Oh no. Something that very much describes me has once again made it onto the Stuff White People Like blog. In the top 6 gifts to get a white person, #3 is "a gift card to Anthropologie:

You might have walked past it a few times at your local mall and wondered how they crammed the interior of a late-nineteenth century barn into a shopping center that was built in 2005. It is the store equivalent of a Wes Anderson film, which certainly helps to explain its appeal, but it is also the most efficient way for white women to look and (hopefully) live like Amélie.

It is true that I would love to live like Amelie. For now, I'll just keep buying things (on sale) at Anthropologie.

-&-

Wouldn't be the holidays without David Bowie and Bing Crosby singing "Little Drummer Boy." But this year, John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell did their own impersonations that highlight just how awkward the original duet was.

2 tickets to paradise

2010-12-10T23:09:00.001-08:00

And by paradise I mean Coachella.

Tickets for Coachella 2011 went on sale on layaway Friday, and I've got my down payment sent in already. I don't even know who will be playing, but I am confident it will be well worth this early investment. Besides, this might be my last Coachella for some time.

some of my early guesses/hopes:

Arcade Fire: This is the year of Arcade Fire going big, so why not capitalize on that and make them one of the 3 headliners? Safe bet, in my opinion.

Warpaint: LA-based female foursome with great 2010 album. I'd be surprised if they don't play.

The National: Their album High Violet is so incredibly strong, plus they have a true rock sound that will appeal to both hipsters as well as the older audience members and more mainstream rock-lovers. My guess is they'd take a second spot one of the three nights, but who knows, they've been pretty big...maybe one of the headliners? With Arcade Fire though, that would leave only one spot for the other common categories that Coachella favors for headliners--older, established/re-formed bands and mainstream pop or hip-hop performers. It could be a melding of these categories, though.

Big Boi and/or Cee-Lo: I heard talk of them touring together anyway, and they both manage to appeal to both mainstream and indie music circles.

Nick Cave via Grinderman and/or Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: Erick doesn't think Nick would do the festival performance again after his horrible experience in the past, but I think Coachella is a different beast where Nick Cave will be loved. The Grinderman album this year got rave reviews, and there is talk of Nick doing another album with the Bad Seeds next year...so Coachella would be the perfect time for him to play!

Sufjan Stevens: Age of Adz has been on most of the end of the year best-of lists I've seen. Plus Sufjan recently performed on TV (on Jimmy Kimmel?), which seems to indicate he's wanting to be out there after his years of hibernation

Glasser: Another one on a lot of best-of year end lists. Plus she's lived in LA for a long time, so she's got local appeal.

Caribou: Swim is on tons of year end lists, plus he's hip enough and talented enough to fit the cool quota Coachella requires.

Seu Jorge: Coachella always has a few musicians who are super popular elsewhere in the world and/or sing in a language besides English. Plus Seu had an album out this year that's been well received; it'd be in his interest to play and advertise that.

Black Keys: They're really popular, their album is in many top 2010 lists, and they were nominated for a Grammy. I'd guess they'll be there. Might be a top spot taker.

Belle and Sebastian: Indie favorite who released a super strong 2010 album.

Broken Social Scene: Indie veterans.

Blonde Redhead: Indie veterans with great album-they better be there!

Aloe Blocc: Stones Throw was represented with Mayer Hawthorne last year, and he was a HUGE hit. Aloe would be a similar slam dunk.

Paul Weller: He would fit the "hip old rock star" category, plus he almost won the Mercury Prize this year. Only thing--is he too obscure, too British?

Bryan Ferry: Like Weller, he could be a token "hip old rock star" but maybe not...He does have some recognition-appeal added to by his presence in Burberry ads, his choice of Kate Moss as cover-model on his latest album (maybe that only got my attention), and his bit part roles in some films.

Swans: I'm betting on Swans because they fulfill the "obscure band that has reformed and is now showered with praise in a fashion that seems as though the music press is overcompensating for past snubs" (yes, that's a Coachella category)

David Byrne: Recent collaborations with Fatboy Slim and Brian Eno have made Byrne a very busy man. He's never lost that quirky appeal and mad scientist genius. He'll fulfill an older musician spot too but one that will definitely appeal to younger/hipper ears.

Girl Talk: Coachella always has DJs and he's just put out All Day with tour dates lined up through next year.

Badly Drawn Boy: He had an album this year that fared well, and he would fit the " grungy guy with his guitar" spot.

Of Montreal: Touring with Janelle Monae this past year, coupled with their latest album, has broadened their popularity. They may be accused of "selling out" by the hipster set (but who isn't?). They'd fulfill a fun, zany band requirement.

Roger Waters: Could be the veteran headliner. I'd rather David Gilmour, though. If Pink Floyd is to be represented, better David than Roger in my opinion. Maybe it will be David...he did come out with a collaboration album with Orb (who I had previously not heard of).

Budos Band: 2010 album making many best-of lists.

The Roots: Popular with indie rock kids and up for a Grammy. Check.

Adele: Adele has an album coming out in Spring, which would make her a perfect pick for someone to play in support of an impending album. Plus she's been getting a lot of press for her song "Rolling in the Deep," partly because Jamie xx did his own remix of it (a video of him remixing it used to be on youtube but got taken down apparently because the remix will be coming out as a single soon).

...and of course I hope that Mew comes this year since they had to cancel last-minute in '10.

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I'm excited to hear Romy from xx singing again, this time on the song "Days" by the band CREEP. Her breathy voice is enchanting.

CREEP / Days by Young Turks

[Now Playing: Arcade Fire- "Ready to Start"]

Guess who?

2010-12-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

We're doing a baby picture guessing game at our office holiday party, and this is the baby picture I'm submitting. Think they'll guess me?

To Lee, with love

2010-12-08T21:54:00.000-08:00

Nick Knight made a video in honor of the late Alexander (Lee) McQueen called "To Lee, With Love, Nick." The video is ethereal and mesmerizing, and it's effects are only complemented by Bjork's recording for film, which is very, very beautiful.

As I watched it I couldn't help but feel some relief through my sadness, for if McQueen were still alive today I'm certain he would have thought the film gorgeous.

Hanging himself at only 40 and with such talent! What a sad ending to such a remarkably inventive life.

To Lee, With Love, Nick (featured on Showstudio.com)

Here's one of McQueen's shows for Givenchy (Fall 1999)

And this was one of my favorite solo McQueen shows from 2005...It's Just a Game

It' so sad that so often with crazy genius comes a tortured emotional life.

Aloe Blacc and the Grand Scheme

2010-12-05T23:40:00.000-08:00

Erick and I saw Aloe Blacc Friday night at the Echoplex. Wow, what a show! It was one of the best performances we've ever seen. Aloe was perfection, and his band, The Grand Scheme, was so darn fantastic--made up of super tight, extremely talented musicians. It was really cool that the band didn't serve solely as the backdrop for vocals but rather a headlining component in their own right. Aloe referenced them often, allowing each of the members to play solos showing off their respective skills. The band's contribution was heavily lauded, and that appreciation from Aloe came across in the exuberant refinement of their performance. It sounded like they had rehearsed the show a million times and yet maintained that sense of spontaneity and lightness that a great live show has.

The doors to the Echoplex didn't open until 9, so we had some time to kill seeing as we drove up early to avoid traffic. We ended up grabbing dinner at Kung Pao Bistro, home of the best vegetarian orange chicken ever. Then we walked around the Echo Park area, a mixture of hipsters and homeless.

Finally went down around 8:45, but they didn't end up letting us in until 9:15, which wouldn't have been so bad if it hadn't been so cold.

My guess as to who the "special guest" would be that night turned out to be right on the money--Peanut Butter Wolf!! He went on stage around 10ish and played a long, exciting DJ set. Projected behind PBW was old video footage of the musicians whose records he played. It was a great warm-up to the show.

Then finally around 11, Aloe came on!

After the show, I went over to his merch table, bought his new album on vinyl, and had him sign it for me! We got a picture together, too, but I'm too embarrassed by how I look in it to post it. You can just take my word for the fact that it exists.

Aloe did a number of covers during the show. He covered Velvet Underground's "Femme Fatale," which is on his recent album. He also covered "Billie Jean," a bit of "No Woman, No Cry," a bit of a Green Day song (can't remember what the name of it is...), and then the Mamas and the Papas' "California Dreamin'" in full. I have a love-hate relationship with covers. I get excited by the prospect of hearing a new take on a song but am so often disappointed by covers that are nearly identical to the original song (what's the point?). But Aloe did not disappoint. If anything, he showed that he can take a song and make it something beautifully new and his own. If anything, he infuses the songs with a completely new energy which is exciting. Now that's what a cover should be like.

Here are a couple of videos I shot. I try not to obscure anyone's view, including my own, so they're shaky at times. Don't judge. I think they're not horrible for a novice. [disclosure: yes, if you noticed, my youtube username is "gothgirl1986." I chose it at the height of my Bauhaus love, and thought it particularly funny because I never have been a goth. I just love 80s "goth" music. Anyway...]

Billie Jean:

Aloe playing the definite crowd-pleaser of the night, "I Need a Dollar."

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Kate Moss in Vogue Italia. I barely recognized her with the dark hair!

And then, in contrast, Juergan Teller captures pics of her at home.

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On a different note, I just read an email I received from some fashion site with the subject line, "How to wear jeggings." As I read on I discovered "jeggings" to be the marriage between leggings and jeans. Ugh sounds like some kind of made-up nightmare of a fashion trend to me.

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Two teachers in Honolulu put history to pop songs. French Revolution to the tune of Bad Romance? Awesome.

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I've been meaning to post this. I love Seu Jorge, and this short film somehow hypnotizes me.

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Just watched A.I. and cried, and cried, and cried. What a heartbreaking movie. Thought the acting and the concept were both great. The ending was meh.

[Now Playing: Badly Drawn Boy-"This Electric"]

Global AIDS Day

2010-12-01T23:59:00.000-08:00

Today is Global AIDS day, and I was pleased to see that in commemoration of the day, my favorite Project Runway designer (who this past season broke our hearts when he opened up and confessed he had been HIV positive for 10 years! Ah, the tears...) was invited to ring the opening bell of the NY Stock Exchange, along with Kenneth Cole, the guy who plays a Canadian on 30 Rock, and Liza Minelli. The linked article notes that George W. had some "friendly advice" for Congress, and I thought it was particularly funny that he described himself as being "happily out of the political business." Must be nice to be a complete joke and then walk away with no accountability for the bad calls you made. Idiot.

In W's favor, he is correct in saying how important and issue AIDS is (but really, who wouldn't say it's an important issue? Anti-AIDS is a pretty politically safe stance to take). I hope that there comes a day when no one loses a family member or friend to AIDS.

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It's coming to the end of the year, and I get very excited, not for holidays or for presents but for 2 things: end of year best-of music lists and Oscar hopeful movies!!

NME's list of top 75 albums of 2010. I'm glad to see the following on the list: Sufjan Stevens's Age of Adz, The National's High Violet, Janelle Monae's The ArchAndroid, Arcade Fire's The Suburbs, Warpaint's The Fool, Yeasayer's Odd Blood, Hurts' Happiness, Big Boi's Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty, Grinderman's Grinderman 2, Glasser's Ring, Beach House's Teen Dream, Belle and Sebastian's Write About Love, Flying Lotus' Cosmogramma, and Field Music's Field Music (Measure) (!!!).

November's almost over

2010-11-26T23:07:00.001-08:00

Erick and I watched a great dvd of Jools Holland performances by British artists from the 90s and 00s. One of my favorite's was "So Young" by Suede.

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My family had a great National Day of Overeating meal this year. Maman and my aunt Markie went all out to make a ton of vegan dishes for Erick and I (even pecan pie--love the crust!). Everything was delicious...

This year I managed not to be a total glutton, and then to help matters, afterward Erick and I went for a long walk around the lake. One of my favorite things is walking bundled up in the frigid night time air.

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I woke up at 2:40am this morning, picked up Christy, and went shopping. Crazy? The $5 heels we got (orig $50) beg to differ.

So wonderful to see Christy. Shopping + Christy +C'est si Bon=old times.

I went to help Christy find new glasses, and I couldn't help trying some on myself...Make me look smarter?

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a video close to my heart that I've been meaning to post for a while now...

Important Things with Demetri Martin

Safety - Guy With a Neck Brace

www.comedycentral.com

Ugly Americans

Nick Swardson's Pretend Time

The Benson Interruption

When life gives you lemons

2010-11-18T12:59:00.001-08:00

say f*** the lemons and bail. Smiling helps, too.

picture: me, in Emergency Room last night, entertaining myself as I wait. This is still early on, before I became uncomfortable and crabby.

Blonde Redhead Recap

2010-11-16T23:04:00.000-08:00

Blonde Redhead put on a beautiful show last night at the Glass House. Here are some pictures:

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Thanks Maman for the surprise card and scarf sent to me at work today. Receiving a surprise in the mail is always fun, and it's especially wonderful when it comes from you. I love you.

A(n Arcade) Fire under people's asses

2010-11-14T08:41:00.000-08:00

Arcade Fire was on SNL last night, and while I'll admit they didn't sound as great as they have in other live performances, I don't think that detracts from how terrific they are. I am reading comments about the performance on the Brooklyn Vegan blog, and I'm aghast at how mean people are.
One person wrote:

Band sucked. First song was terrible. Second song was decent but that bitch has a jaw like a cash register.

Aw, now now. No need to criticize Regine's appearance!

It makes me sad that when a band becomes more popular, and has near universal critical praise, a lot of fans drop out, like it's no longer cool to support a musician once others have joined forces.

I for one like this commenter's enthusiasm:

Who is this arcade fire? Fantastisch!!! Bad hair, but who cares. It's like The Cure reborn!!! Anyone know the name of the second song they played on SNL?

Sure I'm probably a little biased, but no one who were to have the opportunity to watch Arcade Fire live could debate the merit of their musicianship or their energy as performers. Not to mention their studio albums are beautiful! But alas, sometimes it seems like in independent music circles, "beautiful" isn't an adjective that people like to cozy up to.

Back to the comments. Another guy from some band I've never heard of twittered (or tweeted?):

Could anything get more pretentious than Arcade Fire on SNL tonight? hitler youth haircuts, tron blazers and interpretive dances? Beat it.

Or this comment:

whoa, arcade fire's snl performance was worse than ashlee simpson's. and the singer's hair was even worse than the performance

Dramatic much? It was not worse than Ashlee Simpson's. She sang the wrong song and then blamed her band for it! Not at all the same as Arcade Fire's sometimes unpolished enthusiasm.

At least I saw that for every negative comment there seemed to be a positive one. Thank goodness. For everyone's complaining you'd think Arcade Fire was a sell-out, but they're not. They manage themselves with no big label backing; they maintain rights to all their music; and when they do license out a song for use they donate the money to charity.

Anonymous commenting on the internet brings out the worst in people. They neither have to explain what they really mean nor use grammatically correct sentences. People just love to be haters.

Here I am feeling all defensive about a band I love. I'm too sensitive. And here I am commenting on the internet (sort of) anonymously. At least I'm shooting to explain well, and hopefully I'm using grammatically correct sentences for the most part.

Speaking of a sound I can't get enough of...

Now Playing:

Now gotta get ready for a Memorial Service. What a way to spend Sunday.

The Bad and the Good, and the Bad

2010-11-14T00:27:00.000-08:00

A Recap is in order

Thursday before last....

Began well with the Halloween Party at my office. Long story short, ENVIRONMENTAL WON, AGAIN! As the Parsons Wild West Band (or Cowboys and Indian), we beat the competition for a second year. We performed our take on Willie Nelson's On the Road Again, which we changed to Building Roads Again (since we work for the Road and Highway division in their quest to pave the world). Here's the winning team:

(from left, Jason Walsh as Sacagawalsha, Lincoln Walker, Macie Cleary [the boss], Ryan Todaro [our guitar man], Chris Hinds, Me, and Ryan Hanson)

Here are some other shots from the day:

But then the day went downhill. First, I saw my neurosurgeon who told me I'd most likely had to have further fusion of my neck in the next 3-5 years. Ah! only 3-5 years?!?!?! More surgery??? wah wah...

Then I came home.

Erick and I both got home at the same time, went in and made dinner, then went to watch a show, only to find...wait, no laptops anymore. Where the hell are they? Not here. Dammit. It was the worst feeling realizing that the computers were not there. It sank in slowly and painfully. We eventually told ourselves "it could have been worse" and that "it's not the end of the world." Those things are true. However, in our hearts we both knew it couldn't feel much worse than it did to have lost all of our information. Even if we had back-ups for our documents, music, etc., the significance of the loss was most weighty in that all that information was now in the hands of someone else.

Then...the Project Runway Fiasco...In a way, not having a television helped because we weren't able to watch the show on Thursday. Thus, we were able to delay the sad reality of the Project Runway finale upset until Friday.

GRETCHEN won Project Runway. Yep, NOT Mondo.

I've been reading others' reactions on the internet, and at least I can find solace in that I'm not alone in my outrage over the ending.

For instance the Huffington Post writer who blogs under the name "the Sassy Curmudgeon" writes,

I'm upset, obviously, because he was my favorite. I felt like he was more talented than Gretchen and that his final collection was better. I liked him more as a person. I may or may not want to keep him in my pocket like a little Jiminy Cricket and have him help me pick out eyeliner and learn to tap dance. For all of these reasons I wanted Mondo to win

I too looked at Mondo and had moments filled with wandering thoughts that involved daintily placing him in my pocket. Then he would be the gay best friend I've always wanted.

Although he didn't win project runway he is a winner in my heart (sap, sap).

Good:

Artist JR won the 2011 TED prize. Congrats! Hear him talk about his most recent project Women Are Heroes.

I love this TED video with editorial cartoonist Patrick Chappatte speaking about the power of cartoons... I esp got a kick out of the cartoon with Steve Jobs saying about the iPad "It'll simplify a lot of tasks you never had to do before." So true.

I wish I was artistic. Next life.

The Wednesday after the laptop theft, Nov 3, we saw Elton John at the Palladium. Though I don't find myself playing Elton very often anymore (I went through my Elton phase long ago), I still appreciate his talent and he lived up to his legendary status. Playing with his hero Leon Russell, Elton acted so down to earth and thoughtful. No diva-attitude. No grandeur. It was the closest thing to seeing a legend play in a club as I'll ever get. It was touching seeing Elton pay homage to another musician who influenced his music. His admiration for Russell was clear and infectious. By the end of the show, I think we all left fans of Russell, glad that his bluesy influence had seeped into Elton's music both in the past and now once again, paving the way for more music.

When we arrived, the line of people snaked around The Palladium made is seem like there was no way I'd get close to the stage. But when we sauntered in at 7:30 for the 8:00 show, we were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to walk right on up to the front around all the (mostly older) fans who were leaving tons of space around them. Look how close I was:

Crazy!!!!

Then the Saturday after, we saw Florence and the Machine. Phenomenal show.

I'm tired now.

goodnight.

morning

2010-11-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

I have a better post coming soon, but for now I just wanted to vent. I watched a clip of Gwyneth Paltrow on Glee performing Cee-Lo's "Forget You"--the PC version of "Fuck You"--and oh man did she kill it, and not in a good way. I'm sure some white woman out there could maybe get close to doing Cee-Lo justice, but it is not Gwyneth. In fairness, I didn't watch until the end. However, that's because it was painful for me to watch. Eek. Cee-Lo has such a beautiful voice, and Gwyneth as such a-um-standard voice. Not to mention how obnoxious I find Glee now that they've resorted to making every episode a theme. The first season was already pretty darn campy, but now the themes have taken it from camp to plain ludicrous.

Form your own opinion of Gwyneth singing.

I think she should stick to what she does best: acting and traveling with Mario Batali.

-&-

In exciting news, Arcade Fire will be on SNL tonight! Woot. I wonder what they'll play...Doesn't matter, it can only be good.

-&-

back to cleaning...

I miss you Meme

2010-10-24T21:51:00.001-07:00

It's been 13 years since Meme died. It feels like I spoke with her yesterday, her Belgian accent at once a melody and a hindrance. At the same time it feels like years since I last saw her, almost as if she never was a part of my life. I think the slipping away of the sensory recollections, the dulling of the textures of memories, the loss of a person's potency, their tangibility, is the saddest part of death for me. I want to remember Meme more accurately. So accurately that I could conjure her up again. Will her back to life. This is a selfish side of death. For would she have wanted to live 13 more years with her cancer, or even without that, with the other difficulties that come with aging? I cannot know, but I do know that it's certainly not for me to have decided. As I write this the tears are returning. The well I thought had dried and patched over is once again flowing freely with memories. I remember things I have not thought of in so, so long: playing cards on the couch on her little lap table; Meme making me a a croissant sandwich--with extra butter; looking through her clothing sketches from when she was a girl; her tic-tac containers filled with an assortment of mints--and pills; the gummy candies in the living room; her skin so soft it was like silk; the blue dress and silver belt she seemed to always be wearing; her breaded chicken recipe, and the ranch dressing she managed to make the perfect consistency; the way she said 'Havarti'; the weeks after her death when I walked around school with her picture in my pocket; her attempts to force me to like fruit pies; her insistence; her stubbornness; her calling me "a little pill"; the veins on her ankles; the tiny porcelain animal figurines she saved from her coffee cans; the fish I painted for her and hung on her wall; applying makeup to her face to keep her looking like she always did even as she died in front of us; her trademark hand gesture she used when posing for a photo; rummaging together through her drawers; her perfume; the bathroom in her bedroom--so beige; the wallpaper in the guest room; the used stamps from Europe she gave me; her laugh; the way she managed to embarrass us in restaurants--especially when a waiter would offer her a salmon special (she HATED salmon, as she'd oft remind us); her not-so-subtle stealing of jams, butter packages, sweet 'n low, and anything else in an individual size; the smell of her hair; her angry French when on the phone.

Suddenly I'm exhausted. The memories come quicker than I can process, and much like the art I have ever tried my hand at, my attempt to make these memories slow down, gain more color and depth, add smells, and climate to them, background noise--anything to make them seem less distant--is failing. The line between my recollection and my creativity is blurring. Somehow neither one is an adequate place holder for Meme.

I wish I could have told her I love her one more time.

Owen Pallett

2010-10-17T23:01:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to see The National with Owen Pallett. The National were really incredible, but Owen managed again to steal my heart away with his charming persona and lovely violin playing. His awkward giggle is wonderful. I'm so glad we have tickets to see him at the Echoplex this Friday...only $12 to see Owen Pallett?!?!?! I'm there.

I found some videos of Pallett from the show:

Here he is discussing his last album, Heartland. He's so delightful and a little nerdy seeming (which is all the more endearing)!

Distractions

2010-10-16T09:37:00.001-07:00

I'm having a hard time focusing, but I am feeling so overwhelmed...so I'm going to throw all the things clogging my mind onto this blog post, as if it's a dart board and each thing is a dart. Here it goes:

Warpaint @ Skybar last night was AMAZING. Front row seats (well unless you count the big pool between us and Warpaint 'in the way'). Met and chatted with Jenny Lee Lindberg (Shannyn Sossamon's sis). Skybar way too expensive but great view of LA. People all around looking at my feet as if they had never seen red shoes before. One woman comments, "I love your RED shoes! They are so beautiful." Feel mildly out of Mad Men episode in my anthro dress; stark contrast from other girls on Sunset strip walking in hoochy dresses and 5 inch heels. Classy never goes out of style, I tell myself.

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Bryan Ferry's new album comes out soon...contributors include Flea, David Gilmour (!!!), and Brian Eno (!!!). Ferry tells that his goal on Olympia was, besides making great music, to have another iconic album cover....to attain this goal he chooses an iconic cover model. Yep, KATE MOSS!

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Guy sitting at next table is rapping while his headphones are on, looking a wee bit possessed as he stares at his laptop fixedly.

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The National & Owen Pallett tonight @ Fox Theatre Pomona.

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It's so cold...why did I get an iced drink?!

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Have so much to do- 2 environmental document sections, essays, forms, financial stuff, oi!!!!!!

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broke

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Listening to The Menahan Street Band

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Wish I was out of OC already

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disappointed by Don't Ask Don't Tell issue. Why is this even a thing we have to be discussing. It seems so obviously unconstitutional, and besides that, just mean and unfair.

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need to clean

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want to go on vacation

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broke down and bought running shoes.