You have arrived.

easthampton.

2010-07-08T19:58:00.001-07:00

last night.

2010-05-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

small gems.

2010-05-11T20:33:00.000-07:00

Have you discovered Lena Dunham's site? The shorts are freaking brill, real diamonds in the mumblecore rough. Not Oscar winners exactly, but some pretty great quarter-life crisis gems in there. I'm sure it's getting a fair amount of web traffic since Tiny Furniture's festival hype and IFC "put a ring on it". I've heard mixed things about her first feature but either way looking forward to the BAMCinemaFEST screening in June. Until then please see highlights:

- Dilusional Downtown Divas series

- Dealing

- Hooker on Campus

journaling.

2010-05-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

Just had an insane conversation with Robert Haller. Those usually tend to begin in one place and just kind of end in a different universe. He told me about something interesting he's been doing for decades. He keeps a journal and writes in it EVERY SINGLE DAY (what?!). They all focus on very specific feelings and thoughts he has throughout the week while just living his everyday life. He then prints it out and distributes it weekly to about 5 people. I have no idea who these people are but apparently they are "trusted". His purpose is to be a part of history even if it is just a personal history or a history among a small group of individuals. Since he doesn't trust computer memory everything is written on paper. Typewriter until the 90's and now computer which then gets printed. He now claims to be addicted to writing in the journal because it's an obligation, which is okay. It's a responsibility to record the way you remember the world so people who know you can actually understand you. Woah. "Keep the journal and the journal will keep you", he says.

He now has thousands of pages which i will eventually see if I stay cool.

It was a little too charming to interject so i held back from telling him that it's the same thing as a blog.

He also told me some interesting stories about shooting his first nudes. Really great photos.

*Photos Robert Haller

wildlife.

2010-03-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

If you think you want kids, you should probably go to the Bronx Zoo first, just to make sure. I promise by the time you leave, you won't want them anymore. We learned this the hard way. It's also not just children, apparently humans of any age are the biggest animals in the place. Some screamed "throw feathers from your butt" at a frightened peacock and "look, pink goose!" at a flock of flamingos. Mauri heard an adult shriek "WHERE IT WENT?" as a monkey scurried behind a branch in fear. Besides all that though, everything was pretty awesome. All animals put on an a great show, highlights being lions, gorillas and tigers.

Check out the Serengeti where giraffes roam free! gorg.

the lady don't tek no.

2010-03-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

Behold Derek Gabryszak's beautiful new work. Designed by the man himself and printed in scenic Bushwick, Brooklyn. If you can't buy it, you can visit it on the wall of the new neighborhood wine bar Bodega (officially opening March 30). Also check out Derek's other posters for sale on his website: That's the Way It Goes.

joanna newsom live in ny.

2010-03-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

After I learned that Joanna Newsom's show at Town Hall was sold out, I posted this creepy ad on craigslist:

Please, please, please 1 ticket for Joanna Newsom at face value. I need a hero.
A nice girl needs a nice ticket.
Town Hall 3/18.

Since everyone who cares about music is in Austin, someone actually replied (?) and KW and I were on our way to what turned out to be the best live show of our lives!

When we got to our seats we felt sorry for our Craigslist angel because she had accidently sold us the best seats in the entire venue, front/center balcony! Town Hall is comparable to The Orpheum in Boston (also amazing)!

If you ever have a chance to see Joanna Newsom live, THIS IS SOMETHING YOU CANNOT MISS. It was an absolutely beautiful show start to finish. Before Have One On Me I always saw her a very polarizing musician with brilliant lyrics but tough vocals but she really does have a much softer sound now. The 90 minute show was a pleasure to watch. I have no idea how someone can play the harp and remember lyrics to 12 minute song. Man, that takes concentration. For some reason I expected her to be a shy and freaked out Fiona Apple type. I was surprised at how bouncy and excited she was to let everyone in and share her music. I felt like a guest in her house. Fans were equally grateful and silent.

The rest of her band was incredible. Neal Morgan on drums actually functions like a surgeon, laying out tools I had never even seen, and doing weird things to drums I never knew existed! Ryan Francescon arranged the new album and played a different instrument for every song. I forgot my camera so I guess I'll just have to remember it all forever.

Sometimes I get bummed out that I don't get to see the amazing live acts my parents used to see. This show really restored my faith in the music of my generation! Yeah, I said it! So listen to Have One On Me, read her lyrics, watch her play live! Don't miss this incredible talent.

Read this article about Joanna getting her face licked by wolves!

Watch these videos of her "shredding ethereally" in Toronto:

guest blog.

2010-03-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

"Feather boas blinding us from bullshit : A drunken pre-review of MGMT's new record"

When MGMT released their first recordings as a sort of joke..... they were scooped up and nurtured into a marketable "indie" band.
Somehow, under the pressure of a major, they released on of the biggest, best, and most successful records in a long time.
They draped themselves in feather boas and painted themselves up for GQ, Interview, and other fashionista mags.
Their songs were played EVERYWHERE.
13 year olds sang along gleefully as they twirled their gum and wrote notes that included check boxes to one another.
So what did MGMT do?
Revert to their original standards..... a joke.
They pump out another album filled with expectation.
Yet this time, their joke backfired.
The songs are over produced, under thought, and pretentious as fuck.
They expect the audience to gobble up their school boy antics and forget that the phenomenon of Killers-esq throwaway pop is indeed just that....
throwaway.
So do yourself a favor.... dont throwaway your money on some gimmicky "art" record.
Steal the record from a torrent, burn it from a friend who isnt as smart as you, or just ignore this record.
Because lets face it..... even if you can scratch off the cover like a lottery ticket..... the only winner is the label as they laugh all the way to the bank.

Endless: i am justin kramer and i approve this message

comings/goings.

2010-03-03T10:50:00.000-08:00

There were lots of comings and goings this week and it's only Wednesday! Pete came to Park Slope! Sam left her styling job at Topshop! Justin is moving to Doha for good!

Pete had such an amazing adventure in park slope. I took him to see the Champs-Elysées(Grand Army Plaza), Food Coop and introduced him to all of the alternative parenting practices my Brooklyn habitat had to offer.

Sam left her job as a stylist for Topman and is moving on to exciting personal projects and freelance gigs! Total upgrade/adventure! Sam and Caity cooked us a delicious dinner to celebrate and Sam showed us everything she's ever gotten from there in a high speed fashion show extravaganza.

Justin is moving to the Qatar for a year (forever) to become a real professional filmmaker-person and finish his documentary in Cairo (Zabaleen)! This one is actually a sad coming and going because I am selfish. See full coverage of all festivities here. I accidentally made a Woody Allen movie about his departure. Adieu, my tattooed friend. I miss you already.

*****

2010-03-02T12:19:00.000-08:00

Doubtful anyone cares about my personal taste in movies but I've been watching way more than usual during my 2 month hiatus from blogging. I've used the vague and definitive system of stars * (worst) to ***** (best) to make my snobbish judgments known to my vast fan base.

It's worth noting: It may appear that I have been generous with these ratings however, these are all movies I have been waiting to see for a long time and already invested interest in.

A Life Apart: Hasidism in America (doc) ***
Being John Malkovich ****
Do the Right Thing ***
Following Sean (doc) *****
Grey Gardens (doc)*****
IOUSA (doc) ****
Le Femme Nikita ****
Paris J'Taime *
Pans Labyrinth ***
Synecdoche, New York ***
SLC Punk **
Tokyo! *****
Treeless Mountain ****
Valentino: The Last Emperor (doc) *****
Wendy and Lucy *****

Thanks to my brother, who has no idea how often I've been using his Netflix account. If you're out there, sorry.

sigh.

2009-12-23T08:34:00.000-08:00

quiz.

2009-12-23T08:22:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty much a Def Jam historian right now. My studies brought me back to one of my all time favorite videos, only to realize it's a way different experience with adult eyes.

Which of the following is the most confusing/effed up aspect of this video?

a) ill fitting boxers and socks during sex
b) child in slow mo booty shot
c) making out on a couch protected with plastic (??)
d) domestic violence
e) "54/11, Size 7 in girls. Babyface, look like she was 11 with curls."

Someone needs to tell this chick never to hang with a dude who does/says a-e under a bridge at night.

missed connections.

2009-12-07T14:40:00.001-08:00

These were found on craigslist and published in the new york times. NYT. Enough Cowbell. What's the diff?

to all east harlem hipsters

So, we’re curious about you,
young, attractive, plaid-clad dudes —
the ones we spot standing sleepily
on the 103rd St. subway platform
in the morning,

or strolling into the Conservatory Gardens
on Saturdays, or tapping away on Macs
in East Harlem Cafe
(during the odd hours it’s actually open).

Do you, like us, see SpaHa as a pleasant place
to live but not exactly
an epicenter of social activity?
Let’s hang out!

We’re two not-busted, decently smart,
all-around super girls
who moved to New York
to work in publishing.

We’ve discovered a few interesting spots
in the neighborhood but would love
to explore more with like-minded people —
especially if they’re a couple of cute, tall
(5’10”+) dudes.

If you have ironic facial hair,
chortle at any phrase from the
“Kitten Mittons” commercial,
and would never vocally
self-identify as a hipster,
then hit us up.

(And be sure to send a pic
so we know you’re not
a creepy old dude.)

Hot Jewish Stoner Girl

Hot Jewish stoner boy
wants to smoketh with you
and listen to Sublime
and make funny faces
at my stupid puppy.

You: Student Hair Stylist,
Me: Need a Haircut

You: a blonde hairstyling student
in need of a head of man hair to practice on.
Me: the guy with a moustache and glasses,
clearly in need of a haircut.

You approached me at the hipster burrito truck
and said you needed a hair model.
I said I couldn’t commit to showing up
that early in the morning.

If the offer still stands, I’m game to show up
and be your guinea pig. Send me the details.
Also, I have a girlfriend so this isn’t a come-on.
It’s clear you’re only interested my unruly mop

and I’m okay with that...

You shared a loli-pop with another dude...gross...

you were looking at me all night.
i was looking at you...
i was going to ask you,
if i could buy you a drink...
you were smiling at me...

i wasn’t nervous,
but i wasn’t in a rush either...
you looked like a real cool chick....
and then
YOU SHARED YOUR LOLLI-POP,
with the random hipster........gross....

if being a hipster wasn’t bad enough,
you shared a lollipop.

my hipster hatred comes
from me being a native new yorker
and watching these transplants try
and take over...and now the lollipop incident.....
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
HHHHHHHHHHHHH

thanks for the smile.

the new york years.

2009-12-03T14:02:00.001-08:00

Haven't taken any photos in a while. Derek and I went to the park and laughed at/with some insane rollerbladers. Think one of them might be Lindsey's ex. Also, climbed the big rocks. Maybe I'm 5 years old? Nothin' wrong with that.

I think Derek should give this pic to his mom for christmas.

dirty projectors and friends.

2009-11-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

Last night. I don't even know where to begin. The Dirty Projectors put on one of the best live shows I've ever seen.

Eli warned me about the power of Tune-yards prior to the show so I was really excited they were opening. Merrill is a fearless performer. Like great acting, music is so much better when the musician is not at all self conscious. She was a completely insane wild child; sort of a Karen O, M.I.A. fusion sound. Everyone was was loving every minute of it. Congrats to Eli to directing their new video. Check it out.

By the time The Dirty Projectors came on everyone was psyched. I've been waiting for this show for such a long time but nothing could have prepared me for how intense it would actually be. These people are AMAZING to watch. The girl's voices are so strong live and incredibly controlled, specifically Amber and Angel. It was really interesting to see their dynamic on stage. Longstreth is their true leader and you can actually see him encouraging them to keep their energy up the entire time they're on stage. Cannibal Resource and The Bride were favorites.

I noticed Questlove's afro hanging out at an upstairs table during the show. Thought he was just taking it in but as it turns out the rumors were true!! The Roots came on to play Stillness and No Intention. The Dirty Projectors voices were SO forceful even with twice as many instruments on stage (2 drums sets!!!). This was around the point I turned to James and told him I didn't think I could actually handle this and that my head was going to explode off of my body. They finished strongly with Bitte Bitte Orca and came back for an encore of Temecula Sunrise (personal favorite). I didn't think it could have been more perfect....

...until something magical happened. Just when I was convinced this was one of the best shows I'd ever seen, David Byrne appeared for final song of the night, Knotty Pine. People were ecstatic, surprised, in awe, just a swirl of positive emotions. And there you have it. I actually don't even remember going home. I had a joy blackout and when I came to I was sitting at my desk this morning. I'm convinced it may have been a dream.

just before that supportive gaze.

stillness.

just magical.

*all photos BK Vegan

pay day: the aftermath.

2009-11-19T14:33:00.000-08:00

Friday was pay day and KW and i got paid! There was a monsoon but we took to the streets of Brooklyn in good spirits ready to blow our pay checks on things we needed: a ukulele, a tambourine, a little egg you can shake like a maraca, peacock feathers, and cinnamon bunz among other things. Most good purchases are KW's idea like this $2 picture she purchased that makes our apartment a better place to live.

I wish every day was pay day.

adoption.

2009-11-18T08:45:00.000-08:00

During the election I told my parents I wanted to run away from home so the Obama's would adopt me. My parents reminded me I was 22 years old and that they probably wouldn't want me for a lot of reasons. When I saw Michelle's recent appearance on Sesame Street for it's 40th anniversary all of my dreams came flooding back. I really hope they're in the market for a 23 year old, white, adult-child. I'll eat veggies if I have to.

I also checked out some vids from the world's most notorious bad asses who have also had their Sesame Street moment:

Also something hysterical/awkward for good measure.

a thanksgiving miracle.

2009-11-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

I thought miracles only happen on Christmas. This is wayyyy to much for a Tuesday. It's finally arrived and my head is about to explode. The only thing more intense than the Bath Haus of Gaga is the long (2 month) awaited collaboration of the current world's fiercest divas.

For those of you who don't care this is, it's the equivalent of Diana Ross and Madonna (both in their prime) fusing their powerful bitchiness in order to gyrate against machine guns and motorcycles. The outcome:

All hail Hype Williams (again).

overdose.

2009-10-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

indie rock, it's over. I'm done with you and breaking up with you forever. It's not you it's me. Keeping up is exhausting. It's too much and it's coming too fast. In the wake of cmj I'm officially worn out. Hardly ever listen to an album in it's entirety anymore!! It's ruining everything!!! Each one has 3 good songs, Pick them up then back up and leave town. I'm a nomad. This is no way to live. So I'm saying goodbye and never coming back. ever. or until the new julian casablancas...and then never after that.

Someone replies...

cmj roundup: a poor (wo)man's tale.

2009-10-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

Saw a bunch of great cmj shows this weekend. I think I did okay for someone who is broke and gets easily overwhelmed by countless choices. Here is a brief roundup of best and worst:

Friday
Portugal. The Man played a great early set at the Apple Store in Soho (free). I was kind of hesitant about the location and circumstance since this was sort of an acoustic warm up before their big Bowery Ballroom show later that night. It ended up being unbelievable. They brought an adorable girl to play violin which most people thought was the best part. They also had some interesting video looped on a big screen behind them of snow and sled dog puppies and other cool Alaska things. Overall though the crowd was wonderful and there were some funny teenagers geeking out over the band the entire time. They played a healthy balance of Satanic Satanist and Censored Colors tracks.

(terrible video of a great performance).

So later on Kathryn and I tried our luck on getting into The xx show at Tribeca Grand (Free). Sadly, the whole experience was kind of a turn off. Drinks cost more than a meal and we were confronted with some of the most glittery hipsters in all the world's existence. Every time I go to this place I swear I'll never go back under any circumstances (this time I mean it?). The whole situation raised some interesting questions about whether being a buzz band is a blessing or curse. We decided to make better use of our waiting time by checking out the Cantora Showcase and returning back closer to midnight to avoid poverty.

Cantora Showcase ($8) pretty much blew us away. It was so good we forgot to go back for the xx!! No regrets there. First act we saw was Savoir Adore, my fave Cantora group. Everyone in the band looks and sounds like they are 7 in a charming but not too weird way. Next was Rumspringa which was WAY better than i expected. Last was Bear Hands which we agreed was over hyped but enjoyable nonetheless. Kathryn and I also witnessed a hysterical fight between 2 band members because one was flirting with a girl and the other one had to carry all of the equipment. Local rock stars of Siren fest fame are humans too, yall. Worth noting that Violens and Francis and the Lights were not in attendance, not sure why.

Saturday
You Can Be A Wesley (Free) started at 3pm and we arrived at 4 because of rain and only got to hear the last 3 minutes of their set. People looked generally psyched and we were sad we missed it. The show was in at Matchless, with really unfortunate acoustics. Didn't stay for Magic Magic but forged forth against the elements for perogies in little Poland.

Luckily that night Sam hooked us up and we went to the Topman/Spin Mag party, bless her heart (free?). It Almighty Defenders, and Neon Indian were the major acts there: a wonderland with endless free beer. Root Studios is an A+ venue. The Almighty Defenders was shockingly amazing despite their regrettable wardrobe choice (one skinny hipster wearing grills, all members in choir robes) which I assume they wear on the regular. They sound WRETCHED recorded but put on an energetic live show! Maybe the infinite beer supply contributed to the throngs of ladies waiting for them after (even the one with grills??). It's that easy these days, people!
almighty defenders. this guy loves to shriek.
there are those unfortunate grills i told you about.
http://www.myspace.com/portugaltheman
http://www.myspace.com/thexx
http://www.myspace.com/savoiradore
http://www.myspace.com/rumspringa
http://www.myspace.com/bearhandsband
http://www.myspace.com/neonindian

baby zane.

2009-10-16T11:19:00.001-07:00

My friends have a baby and it's sooo cute. Don't worry, they married (and the coolest parents). His name is Zane and we have the same amazing misspelled middle name: Aron.

They were in New York last weekend and let me hold him!! Why do babies always cry when I pick them up? Can they sense that I am nervous and smell fear like dogs can? Is it because I treat them all like puppies and don't want to share? We went to the park and I hogged him all day. Everyone got mad at me except his parents. Honestly though, have you ever seen a face like this?

got you suckers.

2009-10-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

I'm captivated by a brilliant little devil: the 6 year old who made America believe he was sailing away in a hot air balloon. I think he's my child.

i'll never trust again.

2009-10-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

The worst thing is happening right now. Every time I trust someone in a store, I vow to myself i will never do it again. Once a girl convinced me to buy pants so tight that they made my legs turn cold and can never go in the dryer.

I have a secret store I go to in Tribeca where everything is cheap and people who work there tell you how beautiful you look in everything! It's pretty much heaven. Well I bought these pants for 15$ because the woman told me i looked stylish. She also said they were perfect for work (i hate her). I tried them on for Mauri when she got home, excited to show her how popular I would be in my trendy work appropriate slacks.

She crushed my dreams by telling me they bunch up in the crotch and make me look transgender, also adding they are never to be worn in public mostly because they have an elastic waistband. Against my better judgement, I listened to the stupid stranger over a good friend, and wore them to work. They are bunching up all day and people on the subway were staring at me. I can't google them because they are unmarked and one size fits all. This should have been the ultimate indicator that they are in fact Japanese pajamas!!!!!! This is a nightmare. This time I mean it: I'll never trust again.

*photos to come.

costumes.

2009-10-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Deciding on a halloween costume. I'm either going to be "astronaut" or this:

Mauri already took "carrot".

letters.

2009-10-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

Geoff is so smart. We have identical educations: middle school, high school, college, Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester hebrew school (ha!). Yet somehow he has 7 letters in the NY Times and I have 0. They kind of told him he needed to stop writing. He is now limited to 1 every 3 months or something. His best is about our "sacred individuality":

To the Editor:

In ''Stolen Suffering'' (Op-Ed, March 9), Daniel Mendelsohn poses an interesting question about empathy.

Many see empathy as total identification with the feelings and experience of another person. Yet empathy also deals with accepting another's experience as totally foreign, individualized and unattainable.

When a person exits that cattle car at the National Holocaust Museum, it is impossible for him or her to ''know what it was like.'' Rather, as human beings, we have a duty to realize how little we know about what it was like.

Our sacred individuality is what makes us human, and interestingly enough, it is also what ties us all together.

Geoff Rubin
Brookline, Mass., March 10, 2008

----------------------------

To the Editor:

If there is anything to be learned from the past primary season, it is that you can't predict politics.

In fact, the statistical projection described by Neil deGrasse Tyson undermines the assumption of a free-thinking and diverse electorate in a democratic society.

Human decision-making is based on an individual's intricate bundle of emotion, intelligence, intuition and instinct. This complexity cannot be reduced to a simple statistic.

Geoff Rubin
Brookline, Mass., June 6, 2008

------------------------------

To the Editor:

Re ''How to Take American Health Care From Worst to First'' (Op-Ed, Oct. 24):

Billy Beane, Newt Gingrich and John Kerry use a baseball comparison to argue for greater transparency and more use of evidence-based medicine in our health care system. It is telling that strategies for better baseball team management can indicate methods for better health care management.

In the 21st century, baseball teams are driven less by heart and more by the almighty buck. They use algorithms in order to win and thereby make more money.

This mirrors a fundamental problem with health care in the United States: a primarily moral issue is now seen largely as an economic issue.

Geoff Rubin

New York, Oct. 24, 2008

-------------------------------------------

To the Editor:

Most important, cadaver dissection enables students to appreciate the enormous amount of anatomical variation among human beings. A computer program cannot convey the fact that physical phenomena like aberrant arteries, accessory glandular tissue or atrophied muscles belong to a particular formerly living person.

Dissection allows students to recognize people as truly unique individuals in body and in spirit, each with their own “irregularities.”

Without going into the lab, students may fail to consider a fundamental tenet of medicine: no two patients are identical, and therefore all medical care must be individualized.

Geoff Rubin
New York, March 27, 2009

The writer is a first-year medical student at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.

too much of a good thing...

2009-10-08T07:04:00.000-07:00

Ugh, something bad is happening. My brother is trying to ruin my life.

He got two cute and seemingly harmless looking kittens this past year from a shelter. He lied to my parents and told them he got one. hehe. Apparently they made him get both because they couldn't separate siblings (whatever)? Anyway, he decided to drop a bomb on me last night that they are actually something called "Maine Coon Cats". I thought it was something mean he made up to terrorize his baby sister but Google Images told me that this is code for mutant.

"Maine Coon Cats" invoke a terror similar to midget horses. Something cute changes size and becomes a freakish monster. Too much of a good thing...

My brother's normal looking kitty.

Is it just me or does this chick look really normal?

Notice the size of the man's face compared to cat's face.

welcome to the weekend.

2009-09-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

I've been in PS 22 World all week. Pure happiness for your weekend:

my old friend.

2009-09-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

Somehow I realized it was Fiona Apple's birthday the other day. Ever since, I've been watching and listening to her live performances constantly. I've missed her so much! She is probably my favorite artist of all time. It's been so long since Extraordinary Machine and there's so much good music in my life right so I kind of let her slip to the back burner? I'm so ashamed.

Most guys are afraid of her music because they think it's for angry girls, which makes me really mad. She's a poet, and mainstream music audiences write her off just for feeling things. Somehow it's okay for guys to write like that, not sure why. She also performs in a really emotional way, using her entire body. Really beautiful.

This is kind of embarrassing but one time I went to see her alone at the Orpheum in Boston and cried a little bit because it was that amazing. After the show she came out of the backstage door and looked terrified of all the people waiting for her. She walked over to the group, took my ticket, signed it, and got on the bus. I was the only one.

Fiona, my old faithful friend. I'll never forget you again.

9/11.

2009-09-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

Everyone's thinking about the world's greatest stage.

dear kenny.

2009-09-08T12:57:00.000-07:00

If I know you, don't be surprised if i send you one of these soon.

Dear Kenny,

I spend approx 4 hours per day on the Sex Offender Registry. I knew nobody would care more than my most paranoid friend Lindsey. She requested that I look up your address and I don't know how to tell you what I found. You have a red dot on top of a little picture of your apartment which indicates a "child offender" lives next door. I've included a photo to scare Lindsey. Make sure he isn't your landlord. Please see the link and type in your address to see a list of all 11 offenders within a 1/2 mile radius of your apartment: http://www.familywatchdog.us/Default.asp

Mallory

PS a rapist works on Broadway and 73rd. Just sayin'.

fall has arrived.

2009-09-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

My favorite season is fall and it's finally here! All of this fresh New York City air is making me wish I was going back to school. But I'm not. I'm sitting here. In this office. Googling pictures of puppies. Sigh.

ode to jessica.

2009-09-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

My friend Jessica is an actual genius and graduated high school at the age of 16. She is both a feminist and vegan but don't worry, it's not what you think. She's an amazing writer and makes great movies about nature and feminism. You can see some of them on her website: www.jessicabardsley.com. Here are some things Jessica has introduced me to that you should like also:

- Sadie Benning films -- check it out she's amazing

- Tofu in different forms
- Starling murmurations -- (miracle of science)

- Live performances of Danielson

- Joan Didion
- Animation
- Project Runway (i know, i wouldn't think she would like it either).

Sometimes I think she's so cool I can't believe we're friends. Ever since she left for Chicago to live a dream life, I've been really sad because we used to be together 24 hours a day (literally all day at work and sometimes sleepovers after). It's okay though because she's collecting more degrees so she can spread her knowledge around. In the spring we're planning on going to Morocco. I asked her if we might kill each other and she pointed out that other people might want to kill US. She's right as usual. She knows everything.

homeless chic. fail.

2009-09-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

The other day when I was crossing the street for work I was shocked to see "Damien". "Damien" is a classy name I created for a homeless man who is often lingering aimlessly on the border of Fort Greene and Park Slope. I first noticed him in early April and have probably spotted him 8-10 times. He is always wearing rags and holding a garbage bag, typical homeless garb. However, this one is not like the rest. This is because he is one of the most attractive people I've ever seen in person. He's so attractive that you would never have to ask your friend her opinion because it's so obvious. I'm not even kidding, if he wanted to, he could be a runway model.

Lindsey asked me to take a picture of "Damien" but I refused because I thought it was rude. I wouldn’t do it with or without his knowledge because thinking anyone's hopeless state is in anyway fashionable is horrifying to me. I even felt bad just for finding him attractive.

This comes at a weird time since something interesting popped up on the Sartorialist a few days ago. Scott Schumann disregarded a rule of common decency and photographed a homeless man in NY for his unique sense of style????!!! He did acknowledge that it was something that he doesn't normally do since it's pretty controversial. On the other hand he also stated that he really liked his blue boots????!!

He called the post "Not Giving Up, NYC" and went on to say that "while down on his luck, [the bum] hasn't lost his need to communicate and express himself through style". WTF. I'm just gonna go ahead here and jump to the conclusion that this glamorous man was probably thinking about warmth and survival before making a personal statement. He said that unlike some others he doesn't view homelessness as romantic? This isn't 18th Century Paris? I'm so confused.

This isn't the first time this kind of thing has happened. Simone brought a blog to my attention once which solely focused on homeless fashion which we both found completely disgusting (we also wanted to boycott a club in Melbourne called Favella under the same principal). Maybe we're being hyper sensitive? Either way, I think Scott should just stick to what he knows.

music school.

2009-08-31T08:26:00.000-07:00

Going to school for recorded music is a new concept. Most people don't think you need a degree in recorded music to have a career (which is true). I have a couple of friends who graduated from the Clive Davis program at NYU which is only about 5 years old. I went into the studio once and it was INSANE: huge, beautiful, and brand new. Also one of his guest lectures was De La Soul which made me want to die.

Anyway, I heard about this kid Nyle who is coming out of that program this year. I thought his video was pretty impressive. Not necessarily because of the song (since it's a knockoff of an actually great song) but because in reality most college kids are not this ambitious. Even at expensive schools with specialized degrees, it's hard. Like it or hate it, it's nice to see CD kids doing what they love and having fun.

Students are finally able to get formal education for subjects traditionally thought of as hobbies which is creating a really driven generation of young people. Time to battle the recession!!!

my favorite day.

2009-08-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

it's PAY DAY! it's friday! it's moving day! it's friends come to ny day! I'm so excited.

mystery bag.

2009-08-19T10:49:00.001-07:00

There is a man on 10th avenue who has the most useless store. It's pretty much just crap he finds in his house and sells. I'm not sure how he stays in business or affords rent. I can tell nobody goes inside because whenever I do, he attacks me with attention. There is only one thing in the store that appeals to me: a paper bag with a question mark which costs 2 dollars.

Anyone I talk to on the regular knows about my obsession over this bag. I walked by it every single day and I had to know whats inside. I tried to get the man to tell me but he wouldn't. A few people ventured a guess: a cigarette butt, used condom, prescription glasses, toy soldiers. Not sure what made me decide that today was the day but it was. I was really excited but also a little nervous. I was finally in control of uncovering the mystery. How liberating.

As soon as I purchased said bag I brought it back to the office where I made everyone feel it and say what they thought was inside. I then made Kyle stare at the bag for 20 minutes and go insane so he would know what my life has been like for 3 weeks. Finally when we both could take no more, I opened it up and found this:

I'm pretty sure it's a plastic potato peeler in the shape of a monkey. I only know it's a monkey because it has a tail. Otherwise I would think it was an alien. Still not sure if it's worth it. Either way I'm glad I trusted my instincts. Now I'm just sad because it's over.

missing bondi.

2009-08-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to get terrible wanderlust and I need to go on a sweet trip. Lots of people I know are abroad right now and it's driving me nuts. Folco's leaving Sydney soon and he's really sad. He's going to bring me back some sand from my favorite beach, Bondi!!

The first time I went to Bondi I thought it was one of the most amazing places I'd ever seen. It has the potential to be really touristy but if you take the time to get to know the locals they can show you some interesting things. One time Will and Mikey took us a section of the beach where only locals swim. Needless to say Simone ended up with bloody coral scratches all over her body. Just because native 10 year olds are doing it, doesn't mean we can. Lesson learned. But really though, I'm so sad. I have to go back.

This old man literally lives on a cliff. he showed Simone and I his place.

Old men swim in salt water pools daily for years and it makes their skin crazy soft.

Cemetery between bondi and bronte.

Don't try anything you see local kids doing. They have no fear.

this is the day.

2009-08-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

Good morning world! This is the day! All we need is our shady, no-fee realtor to show up sans attitude problem or hangover and we've got a deal. Please universe, send us a miracle.

beloved zoo york rider dies at 48.

2009-08-13T14:21:00.000-07:00

Stacy Paralta and Tony Alva may have invented the game but Andy Kessler and the Soul Artists of Zoo York completely elevated it. Dogtown East has lost a hero.

a new society.

2009-08-11T08:35:00.001-07:00

The Film Society of Lincoln Center gave me my first gig in New York as an intern after I sent Kent Jones a rambling, embarrassing piece of fan mail. He's one of my heros. It was really the first time I was meeting people who were really old but into films that were artistic, important and relevant. The staff ranged in age from about 27-70 and some had been there since the New York Film Festival's inception in 1963.

While I was there, there was a photo in the office that was published in a magazine a few decades ago. Everyone looked so young and glamorous. They really represented a kind of glitter and old New Yorkness I was too young to ever know. It's really heartbreaking to think of most of them were kicked to the curb just a few months ago, killing the mom and pop spirit of the place. I remember them all as interesting characters who brought their eccentricities to their work: part of what made the Film Society so special. But with that uniqueness came an exclusivity. It was a welcoming place for the rich and old (those who could afford memberships as status symbols) but not as much for a younger film community which is currently thriving.

I feel really torn about the "out with the old" philosophy Mara Manus has brought with her as the new ED. I understand why change was necessary. The Film Society never really kept up with new marketing approaches and stuck to the old way of doing things, no problem for it's older audiences. Sadly however, this wealthy and more mature audience is a dying breed. I spoke with someone at BAM recently, who agreed they have kind of been left in the dust and are frantically trying to play catch-up. Maybe this is the only way it can happen: swift and painful. Very painful. Internally, the organization has suffered a huge losses in it's spirit, which was always it's driving force. Part of me sees it as a positive thing, a way to restructure and create a place more welcoming for young people. Realistically though, it's just another nail in the coffin of the old New York.

Read about changes at The Film Society in The New York Times.

A young Kent Jones
Richard Pena and Mara Manus

hobbies.

2009-08-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

I get really mad sometimes because I don't think Derek believes all my hobbies. I've honestly had sooo many it's ridiculous. I like to try anything as long as it doesn't involve heights. Sometimes I look back and I feel like Max Fischer from Rushmore in less cool clothes.

muse.

2009-08-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

I just saw Rosanna Arquette and she's still so00 beautiful. Remember when she was the muse in Life Lessons? That was perfect. I just felt so sorry for her but at the same time I was weirdly jealous. She was really sad and vulnerable and Nick Nolte was so volatile and passionate. He couldn't produce good work unless he wanted to kill her.

It's part of New York Stories but they don't even show the city. They just talk about it. Genius! Sometimes it doesn't even need to be visual to feel sooo New York.

heartbreak.

2009-08-08T15:35:00.001-07:00

Sonic Youth is playing Tokyo tonight. fml.

everyone is freaking at the idea of the year 2000.

2009-08-07T15:15:00.001-07:00

No sound on my work computer, but it's not all bad. It's just so much better in french.

white jeans: friend or foe?

2009-08-07T12:35:00.001-07:00

One of my friends (male) just purchased white jeans. After purchasing said jeans he informed me of what he had done. It seemed like I wasn't the only person he told. He probably wanted to warn people so that they were prepared when they saw him and they should know to mock with caution. I asked him for a photo of the jeans for this post and he promptly refused. He said he wouldn't be publicly subjected to scrutiny and ridicule. One of my millions of readers might recognize him.

I think that tale says it all about white jeans for men these days. The confident ones do it but they aren't necessarily proud of it (hence the call of warning). Everyone knows white jeans had a renaissance in the 80's. It seemed like the natural progression from acid wash. I decided to do some research. I was shocked to learn that Rock and Republic is showing them on men for fall? So is Paul Smith? and Gucci? What's going on here. Maybe he's on to something?

Lindsey who is less prone to spilling things than me said in that in the summer they are her "best friend". She then added "Men have to be careful...not too tight, sends out the wrong message". Wise words. Based on the photos below, I think that's a good rule to live by.

lead singer of RazorLight (must be very confident)- wrong message
paul smith fall 2009- right message
rock and republic fall 2009- wrong message

Bienvenido

2009-08-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

Hola chicos!!

this is real.

2009-08-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

This is an actual real post I found on Craigslist in the looking for friends section. Don't ask how I ended up there. Not sure if the world is ready for this:

me a musician--there are moments just playing my guitar--- i go out to socrates sculpture park and sit alone on the rocks------ they can here me over in the projects---- andkids come over from queensbrigde and start dancing and talking to me i love it i love it
i play their music for them to pay them back-------- and they don't even know it--- never heard james brown or sonny boy williamson or little richard but they instinctually know-------
i play all the way to gracie mansion across the river--- fbi came over on jet skies with shot guns once to check me out i was o.k-----------
so when it happens i got into a trance better than anything i';'ve ever known--- except women==========temperature changes puls and heartbeat slow up speed down-------- lose myself am totally in another world can go for 3 4 5 hours and time is gone--------------1 song blends into another i just let the guitar rub against the amp and go for those crazy hendrix-- moans and wails---- swans no shit have come up to me------- and i know they knew and little children to opiated dances--------------the homeless too---------------------joy joy-joy---------

www.seriousbusinessproductions.com/ratsorizzo

chris

melody best songs

mine
sounds?

tale?

love.

2009-08-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

The other day Jessica and I got into a juvenile game of "would you rather". The specific question was would you rather be So Yong Kim (In Between Days, Treeless Mountain) or Mary Bronstein (Yeast). In other words which genius would you rather be married to? So Yong Kim's better half, Bradley Rust Gray or Mary Bronstein's husband Ronald Bronstein. The answer was definitively Ronnie Bronstein and I'll tell you why.

Ronnie Bronstein said the most beautiful thing about love I've ever heard. He once spoke to my American Independent Cinema class after a screening of Frownland. Some idiot made the mistake of comparing parts of Frownland to Aaron Katz's film Quiet City. In short, Quiet City explores the way in which the world's chaos disappears when someone finds love. It has some really beautiful moments or "pause points" where the subjects are able to observe a stillness in New York they never thought existed. My professor called it "a triumph of minimalism" in Filmmaker Magazine, which I thought was a bit strong but I got where he was coming from.

Ronnie Bronstein became infuriated when people in the class said they enjoyed Quiet City. He said that love is never quiet or still. "Love is 9/11; it's buildings crashing to the ground". He went on to say that finding love is a rare but terrifying moment that changes the way you view the world and what others are capable of. Woah.

Ronnie Bronstein

So Yong Kim and Bradley Rust Gray
Aaron Katz's Quiet City

23.

2009-08-05T09:44:00.001-07:00

I just turned 23. It sounds pathetic but I feel old. Last fall I told the woman at the nail salon I was 22 and she said "If I your age, I do my whole life over" which made me really depressed. Now I have even less time to "do my whole life over". Shit.

I had a great birthday though and spent it on the Lower East Side with my best friends. Ironically, we ended up at someone else's birthday party where we met some Argentinian pro-skaters here on "business". We thought they were lying at the time, but we googled them and they actually have legit sponsors. Anyway, these total strangers turned up and made the night completely random and great. I'm so lucky I have amazing friends who are down for anything and not sketched out by things most people are.

So all and all, my birthday made me realize how much fun I can have in New York and how I'm finally starting to feel at home here. Now hopefully I can go try and erase that little nail salon woman's wise words from my memory.

art.

2009-08-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

My friend Eli recently got signed to The Masses out in LA. He moved there about a year ago to try and make some music videos and it seems like he's doing really well. I'm really happy for him. I talked to him recently after looking at his latest work and I was impressed. He seemed surprised when I said I saw a lot of growth just over the course of a single year. Clearly other people are starting to notice and The Masses are probably getting a lot of attention with the new Modest Mouse video Heath Ledger directed.

The conversation got me thinking about how much fun we all used to have making movies in college. Having no money and really big ideas that you don't know how to execute is something I was lucky to experience. The results were mixed but as everyone knows that's often how the best art is created.

You can see Eli's work at The Masses www.wearethemasses.com

the enigma that is rachel zoe.

2009-08-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more disappointing then finding out someone who you think has great style actually has a stylist. This is the case with many of Rachel Zoe’s clients. Once season 1 of her ridiculous (amazing) Bravo Series premiered many of my Hollywood girl crushes were put to rest. All of their greatest hits were the caffeine-fueled brainchild of one Rachel Zoe.

The enigma of Rachel Zoe is the fact that someone could create the fashion masterpieces she does, while she herself appears to be in a constant state of recovery from a heroine bender. Even more puzzling is the fact that she is launching her “brand” (which actually is just a website and some form of weekly newsletter) while her personal style reflects that of a person who wants to be invisible. She's often hidden behind goggles or a dead animal. Nonetheless, she’s amazing. And apparently the world agrees. This morning as her new website launched I tried to visit the site only to find it was down from too much web traffic. Sigh.

I saw her insanely bitchy (but fabulous) assistant Taylor this past year at the Starbucks on Spring Street. She was easy to spot with her usual white hair and head to toe leather ensemble. Girl looked fierce. As is probably the case with most people, I was too afraid to approach her. It was probably for the best.

Hope that's faux.
Rachel with Taylor in her rocker leather and white hair; a natural beauty

Cameron Diaz in Dior. Rachel's Creation. Pink with Turq! Brilliant.

fantastic?

2009-08-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

Was anyone else completely bummed out when they found out the new Wes Anderson movie does not feature real humans? When I found out he was making a movie about The Fantastic Mr. Fox, I was psyched! It was one of my favorite books when I was a kid.

Some time last week the trailer was released only to reveal some sort of weird stop motion, claymation. It actually looks like a video game. The thought of Anderson's twisted mind coming up with animal costumes had me excited for months. Then I saw this piece of crap:

passions collide.

2009-08-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

I remember the first time I saw Georges Méliès silent film A Trip to the Moon aka Le voyage dans la lune (1902). Sadly it was sometime after I first saw Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris' Smashing Pumpkins video Tonight, Tonight. I knew instantly the Smashing Pumpkins vid was magical. It was romantic, theatrical, and swept the VMAs back when MTV was cool.

Dayton and Faris' colorful take on the classic was forever. Now that I'm revisiting grunge I decided to dig deeper into their work and I did find some gems. However I noticed something a bit troubling. Though they had created this masterpiece for The Smashing Pumpkins they seemed only to create videos for bands that were either on their way up or on the way down. Nothing the duo created or produced was made at the height of a band's career. Some examples:
- Go Deep- Janet Jackson (on the way down)
- The Good Life- Weezer (on the way down)
- Weight of the World- Ringo Starr (on the way down)
- Wolves Lower- R.E.M. (on the way up)
- She's Got Issues- The Offspring (on the way down)
- When Your Eyes Say It- Britney Spears (wtf is that?? but I'm guessing down)

Georges Méliès- A Trip to the Moon (1902)

Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris- Tonight, Tonight (1995)

stevie nicks.

2009-08-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

People usually freak when they find out how much I love Fleetwood Mac. Just because it seems so random. It all started when I came across a copy of Rumours on Vinyl on the street in Boston with a bunch of trash someone was throwing away?? WTF.

Anyway, ever since then I have developed a (healthy) obsession with everything Stevie Nicks. She is the epitome of cool. I admire everything from her personal style (earth gypsy) to her volatile romances. She strikes me as an individual who had experienced a lot of pain and is able to channel those emotions while creating art and performing.

Camille and I once climbed up a down escalator at one of her signings only to be forcefully removed by security guards. We agreed it was worth it just to catch a glimpse. I just wanted to tell her she's my hero. Clearly those guards had never had a dream.

Early Fleetwood Mac, Stevie as Etheral Godess.
A more modern Stevie with goth, gypsy blow-out.
Stevie wrote Silver Springs early in her career while searching for her own path as Lindsey Buckingham left her behind.

Stevie Nicks was not only inspired by the natural world, but the Supernatural. She famously wrote Rhiannon in 10 minutes after purchasing Mary Leader's Triad in an airport.

grunge.

2009-08-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

I recently heard the Stone Temple Pilots song Big Empty while visiting Ty's tattoo shop in Provincetown with Camille. We got into a little chat about how we could never consider oursleves STP fans but that this song was sooooo good.

It kind of set off this little obsession with 90's grunge. Looking back it seems like such a fleeting moment in music history. Here are some of the behaviors that resulted from this new interest in grunge:

- purchasing of many flannel shirts
- constantly wondering wtf happend to MTV's programming
- wearing ripped shorts and tights (prob a bad idea)
- scouring the internet for great album art of the times
- taping Gus Van Sants "Last Days" onto VHS from the IFC channel
- making no excuses for following Courtney Love on Twitter
- a curious interest in the Pacific Northwest

My brother was a huge grunge fan in the late 90s and now I'm wondering whatever happend to his bomb cd collection. I think I'll start looking for them after work tonight.

Stone Temple Pilots- Purple (1994)

The Smashing Pumpkins- Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995)
Nirvana- Nevermind (1991)
Soundgarden- Superunknown (1994)
Kurt in Seattle.

the moon.

2009-08-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

As everyone knows, July 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing. Reading all of the coverage really inspired me. The moon landing was not only a huge advancement in science but represented something unique that was going in society and with counter-culture. People became excited by exploration and what this new larger universe had to offer.

welcome to my blog.

2009-08-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

Hopping on the self-indulgent bandwagon that is blogging. welcome.