Just in case you missed it, I am in Tacoma, WA for the rest of the week. I'm here for work, not pleasure, and the weather has been accommodating of this goal by setting record highs for the area.
Today it was 101º. I'm told "normal" is around 60º, maybe 70º.
I'll be running around Fort Lewis for the next two days, and will have periodic internet access. I'll try to post some pictures up, probably of the gorgeous Mt. Rainier, but I can't make any promises on this.
---
In other news, I have Google voice.
It's awesome, but I haven't set it up yet on account of having not picked out a new number. What do you think? Should I stick with a (248), or should I do something radical like (363)WMEDDY1?
Your thoughts matter to me!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Yew Nork
New York.
What can I say?
(NY Trip July 11 - 14)
The People
(Apologies for the crazy image sizes, but Flickr doesn't play nice with Blogger.)
I lived with Justin for two years in college. He's a great guy; unflappably relaxed, quick to laugh, and brilliant behind the editing console. He's one of the first people I've met who just pours out creativity, and is relentless in his pursuit of artistry. Justin was kind enough to let me and Kris spend several days in his lovely East Village apartment.
Kris is my longtime pal, currently residing in Boulder, CO where she does magical things with hard drives. Kris was the art director at the Gargoyle for three tumultuous years, and her artistic accomplishments speak for themselves. Despite working with me while I was editor we've remained friends -- a rarity at the Gargoyle.
Jennifer is the only person I know that sent in an unsolicited application to the Gargoyle. Talented with words, the Gargoyle was not enough to contain her and she's worked at all kinds of places (including the hardly reputible Michigan Daily). She met Justin during a hectic evening we all barely recall, and is now living with him in beautiful Yew Nork, NY.
From left to right: Kris, Me, Jennifer, Justin
Hyatt(hyatthyatthyatt) is another former roomate. Like Justin, he majored in film but spent a good deal of time focused on stagecraft. Currently living in Brooklyn, Hyatt is involved in some kind of theatre company. Unfortunately, the play he's working on opened after we left. Fortunately, he worked on a faux-blaxploitation movie that you can enjoy.
Cathy is the current editor of the Gargoyle and a skilled artist besides. Another film major (how does this happen to me?), she used my apartment on Madison street as a set for a student film. I'm not in it, on account of nearly dying from the flu. She's spending the summer in Yew Nork working as an intern for Conde Naste, the publishers of several magazines -- including the Yew Norker. I'm not in the least bit jealous.
Justin's Friends were many and varied; they were all so welcoming, if confused by us and our strange ways.
---
The Places
If pressed I'd have to say that we spent 70% of our time in Justin's apartment. Watching movies, laughing our heads off, and wondering what to do next it was the perfect staging ground for our adventure(s). Not having a TV, Justin has made do with his laptop hooked up to a massive HD computer monitor. The affect of which, coupled with his seemingly inexhaustible supply of hi-res films, was quite impressive.
I slept on an air bed. Not an air mattress, an air bed. It was about three feet thick with a slow leak that meant I entered stranger and stranger positions throughout the night. Given that, it is odd that I not only slept well, but enjoyed the challenge.
Justin's apartment has three gold records and one platinum record on the walls. How cool is that?
I can talk at great length about the restuarants. We experienced phenomenal pizza, delictable Italian food, and uniquely Ukranian quisine throughout our travels. Chicago is the food capital of the US, of course, but NY gave us some phenomenal options. And the bars weren't too bad either.
After much recommendation from my parents, and friends, we made sure to hit up Essa bagel. While I have had several NY-style bagels, this was a unique experience. With a variety of fillings and toppings, complimented by a laid back experience and a truly massive bagel it should not be missed.
We also made a meal out of soup-filled dumplings. There's not much more to say about this except that it was awesome.
There were several encounters and experiences in a Halloween shop, followed by an overwhelming trip to Forbidden Planet -- the famed NY comic shop. I was excited to see the place, having heard so much about it on the Internet but left a little disappointed. We couldn't figure out the organization of the place, and the only staffer I spoke too was brisk to the point of rudeness. The place has serious potential, but could use a little refinement. However, I don't regret a moment (or a cent) of the time spent there.
We did amble around Battery Park, discovered secret statues of dogs in Central Park, and paid our respects to the flashing light gods of Time Square. We attempted a museum trip but were deflected by strange scheduling, instead paying a visit to a few galleries where we saw Seuss and Dali on the same street. Quite a time.
---
The Things
A series of strange and wonderful movies Justin provided
Barack Pharoh-bama
Large, Ukranian meatballs
A clutch of art pens
Mattresses designed to give the sleeper a nautical adventure on a cushion of air
Small notebooks, filled with giggling sketches
Postcards
Old cameras valued for their peculiarities, rather then their photo prowess
A straw hat that's been everywhere
The sweat stain I left on the plastic bench in the 4 train
The homeless man that explained the Amtrak system to me
A gawdy gilded newsletter professing the wrath of God and the terrors of satan, complete with bedazzled cross clipart and a photo of the Elvis/Cash hybrid preacher
The quiet voice of a man as he passes quickly buy, quietly broadcasting his trade in fake IDs amidst the pulsations of Canal street.
A pizza joint that has a Major Award
The shirt that your friend also bought, that you don't wear on the same day
Finding yourself acting like you did 4 years ago
The future machine
A book about Sartre that you take off your friend's shelf, read, and makes you realize that you don't really like Sartre all that much
All these pictures come from the Flickr pool we put together. It's named for the Tom Wait's song, and will hopefully grow to include a complete if bizarre pictoral account of our trip.
What can I say?
(NY Trip July 11 - 14)
The People
(Apologies for the crazy image sizes, but Flickr doesn't play nice with Blogger.)
I lived with Justin for two years in college. He's a great guy; unflappably relaxed, quick to laugh, and brilliant behind the editing console. He's one of the first people I've met who just pours out creativity, and is relentless in his pursuit of artistry. Justin was kind enough to let me and Kris spend several days in his lovely East Village apartment.
Kris is my longtime pal, currently residing in Boulder, CO where she does magical things with hard drives. Kris was the art director at the Gargoyle for three tumultuous years, and her artistic accomplishments speak for themselves. Despite working with me while I was editor we've remained friends -- a rarity at the Gargoyle.
Jennifer is the only person I know that sent in an unsolicited application to the Gargoyle. Talented with words, the Gargoyle was not enough to contain her and she's worked at all kinds of places (including the hardly reputible Michigan Daily). She met Justin during a hectic evening we all barely recall, and is now living with him in beautiful Yew Nork, NY.
From left to right: Kris, Me, Jennifer, Justin
Hyatt(hyatthyatthyatt) is another former roomate. Like Justin, he majored in film but spent a good deal of time focused on stagecraft. Currently living in Brooklyn, Hyatt is involved in some kind of theatre company. Unfortunately, the play he's working on opened after we left. Fortunately, he worked on a faux-blaxploitation movie that you can enjoy.
Cathy is the current editor of the Gargoyle and a skilled artist besides. Another film major (how does this happen to me?), she used my apartment on Madison street as a set for a student film. I'm not in it, on account of nearly dying from the flu. She's spending the summer in Yew Nork working as an intern for Conde Naste, the publishers of several magazines -- including the Yew Norker. I'm not in the least bit jealous.
Justin's Friends were many and varied; they were all so welcoming, if confused by us and our strange ways.
---
The Places
If pressed I'd have to say that we spent 70% of our time in Justin's apartment. Watching movies, laughing our heads off, and wondering what to do next it was the perfect staging ground for our adventure(s). Not having a TV, Justin has made do with his laptop hooked up to a massive HD computer monitor. The affect of which, coupled with his seemingly inexhaustible supply of hi-res films, was quite impressive.
I slept on an air bed. Not an air mattress, an air bed. It was about three feet thick with a slow leak that meant I entered stranger and stranger positions throughout the night. Given that, it is odd that I not only slept well, but enjoyed the challenge.
Justin's apartment has three gold records and one platinum record on the walls. How cool is that?
I can talk at great length about the restuarants. We experienced phenomenal pizza, delictable Italian food, and uniquely Ukranian quisine throughout our travels. Chicago is the food capital of the US, of course, but NY gave us some phenomenal options. And the bars weren't too bad either.
After much recommendation from my parents, and friends, we made sure to hit up Essa bagel. While I have had several NY-style bagels, this was a unique experience. With a variety of fillings and toppings, complimented by a laid back experience and a truly massive bagel it should not be missed.
We also made a meal out of soup-filled dumplings. There's not much more to say about this except that it was awesome.
There were several encounters and experiences in a Halloween shop, followed by an overwhelming trip to Forbidden Planet -- the famed NY comic shop. I was excited to see the place, having heard so much about it on the Internet but left a little disappointed. We couldn't figure out the organization of the place, and the only staffer I spoke too was brisk to the point of rudeness. The place has serious potential, but could use a little refinement. However, I don't regret a moment (or a cent) of the time spent there.
We did amble around Battery Park, discovered secret statues of dogs in Central Park, and paid our respects to the flashing light gods of Time Square. We attempted a museum trip but were deflected by strange scheduling, instead paying a visit to a few galleries where we saw Seuss and Dali on the same street. Quite a time.
---
The Things
A series of strange and wonderful movies Justin provided
Barack Pharoh-bama
Large, Ukranian meatballs
A clutch of art pens
Mattresses designed to give the sleeper a nautical adventure on a cushion of air
Small notebooks, filled with giggling sketches
Postcards
Old cameras valued for their peculiarities, rather then their photo prowess
A straw hat that's been everywhere
The sweat stain I left on the plastic bench in the 4 train
The homeless man that explained the Amtrak system to me
A gawdy gilded newsletter professing the wrath of God and the terrors of satan, complete with bedazzled cross clipart and a photo of the Elvis/Cash hybrid preacher
The quiet voice of a man as he passes quickly buy, quietly broadcasting his trade in fake IDs amidst the pulsations of Canal street.
A pizza joint that has a Major Award
The shirt that your friend also bought, that you don't wear on the same day
Finding yourself acting like you did 4 years ago
The future machine
A book about Sartre that you take off your friend's shelf, read, and makes you realize that you don't really like Sartre all that much
All these pictures come from the Flickr pool we put together. It's named for the Tom Wait's song, and will hopefully grow to include a complete if bizarre pictoral account of our trip.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Toothpaste
There's a lot to talk about, but the most important thing right now is that it's late and I am about to brush my teeth without gagging for the first time in five days.
Ten days ago, I left for New York and had a blast. More on this later. Five days ago, I came back and discovered that the only toothpaste left in the house was cinnamon Crest. While I have nothing against cinnamon, Crest, or toothpaste, when they were combined together they formed an unbeatable opponent.
But I had no choice; I'd exhausted my supply of Tom's of Maine in the Big Apple and had yet to purchase a replacement.
Truly, I suffered.
It's not that this toothpaste is bad, it's that it's like having someone shove dirty fingers in your mouth. Whole fist-fulls, until you can't take anymore. It's like rinsing our mouth out with cheap whiskey, and you have a delicate stomach. It burns, but not enough to overwhelm the nausea inducing flavor that tickles your glottal, and dares your gag reflex to fight back.
But today I made it to the store. Tonight, Toms of Maine will once again cleanse me, and I can put away these foul memories forever.
Ten days ago, I left for New York and had a blast. More on this later. Five days ago, I came back and discovered that the only toothpaste left in the house was cinnamon Crest. While I have nothing against cinnamon, Crest, or toothpaste, when they were combined together they formed an unbeatable opponent.
But I had no choice; I'd exhausted my supply of Tom's of Maine in the Big Apple and had yet to purchase a replacement.
Truly, I suffered.
It's not that this toothpaste is bad, it's that it's like having someone shove dirty fingers in your mouth. Whole fist-fulls, until you can't take anymore. It's like rinsing our mouth out with cheap whiskey, and you have a delicate stomach. It burns, but not enough to overwhelm the nausea inducing flavor that tickles your glottal, and dares your gag reflex to fight back.
But today I made it to the store. Tonight, Toms of Maine will once again cleanse me, and I can put away these foul memories forever.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Wilco Wednesday
I went out and saw the Wilco documentary I am Trying to Break Your Heart with Mike and his friend Fiona last night. It was one of those outdoor movies-projected-on-a-big-inflatable-screen things.
I had seen the film before, but it was a nice reason to get out and see some more of DC. I'd never been in the NE before, and while it's certainly not as ritzy and polished as most of the NW is it was alright.
Unfortunately, Wilco (the band) was actually playing not far from my house the same night. Double-unfortunately, Sonic Youth was playing back to back shows in DC. Because of my ignorance, I had tickets to see neither act.
Looking around the crowd at the movie, we figured that these were all the people that couldn't get tickets to the Wilco show. Though some of them also probably fell into the category of considering themselves too old to go to concerts. I also heard rumblings of the relative benefits of Wilco v. Uncle Tupelo, but that's an argument for another day.
For the record, it's a good movie. I'd like to say that you don't have to care about Wilco to like it, but there's so much concert footage that you have already dig them to care. It does, however, chronicle an interesting time in the history of what would become a surprisingly significant and successful album.
But oh well, it was a nice night: the weather was great, the movie is still good, and sometimes it's just nice to sit on the grass and not have any responsibilities for a while.
---
I'll be heading out for a quick stint in NY starting this weekend. On the docket is to box a male model, confess my undying love for former roommate Justin, see a play by other former roommate Hyatt, and lick the New Yorker offices. Long-time pal Kris will probably draw on my face with a permanent marker while I stare blankly at the Carnegie Deli, and mid-term pal Cathy will be cooler than me by interning for Conde Nast.
All this and more, in the future.
I had seen the film before, but it was a nice reason to get out and see some more of DC. I'd never been in the NE before, and while it's certainly not as ritzy and polished as most of the NW is it was alright.
Unfortunately, Wilco (the band) was actually playing not far from my house the same night. Double-unfortunately, Sonic Youth was playing back to back shows in DC. Because of my ignorance, I had tickets to see neither act.
Looking around the crowd at the movie, we figured that these were all the people that couldn't get tickets to the Wilco show. Though some of them also probably fell into the category of considering themselves too old to go to concerts. I also heard rumblings of the relative benefits of Wilco v. Uncle Tupelo, but that's an argument for another day.
For the record, it's a good movie. I'd like to say that you don't have to care about Wilco to like it, but there's so much concert footage that you have already dig them to care. It does, however, chronicle an interesting time in the history of what would become a surprisingly significant and successful album.
But oh well, it was a nice night: the weather was great, the movie is still good, and sometimes it's just nice to sit on the grass and not have any responsibilities for a while.
---
I'll be heading out for a quick stint in NY starting this weekend. On the docket is to box a male model, confess my undying love for former roommate Justin, see a play by other former roommate Hyatt, and lick the New Yorker offices. Long-time pal Kris will probably draw on my face with a permanent marker while I stare blankly at the Carnegie Deli, and mid-term pal Cathy will be cooler than me by interning for Conde Nast.
All this and more, in the future.
The Big Recap
A solid month with no posts. This is simply unacceptable.
I have no other excuse for my recent internet laziness other than The Wire, a fantastic cop drama that ran 5 seasons on HBO some time ago. I had heard about the show back in 2007/08, but decided to ignore it since the entire staff of the Michigan Daily was in love with it. It's not a judgement against any one particular person on the staff, it's just that I've read their Arts column and sincerely doubt their taste.
The point is that the show is great, and I've been consuming the DVDs for the past few weeks. The show is as addictive as the illegal substances it portrays.
---
There are three items of particular importance that I will now address.
1. Claire Has Been Gone For Some Time -- Claire is still in Chicago, working diligently for the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago. As part of her Masters program with George Washington University, she has to do so many hours of interning. Being a native of the North Shore, she chose to spend this summer working on restoring an Assyrian Frieze.
Her job involves a lot of washing, a lot of digital paper-pushing, and arranging photos of the puzzle piece fragments of the frieze over a 19th century French line drawing of the original. It's painstaking, but she really enjoys working in a museum.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to get any behind the scenes pictures from her, but I did visit the main exhibit a few weeks ago. However, I did snap a few quick shots of the pieces already on display. This one is my favorite:
Follow the link for a few more.
More info on the institute and it's collections can be found here, and Claire's project is here.
In other news, she just submitted her first academic article for publication. Here's hoping it gets accepted!
---
This is starting to sound like a Christmas letter; I'm sorry for that.
---
2. I Bought A New Car -- Times being what they are, I decided to single handily save not only the domestic automotive industry but my father's job and the global economy to boot. I am your hero. To quote the great Strongbad, "dudes, form a line to my left for high-fives; ladies, form a line to my right for makeouts."
The car in question is a candy-apple red 2009 Pontiac Vibe. I've been attracted to the Vibe since my father purchased one back in 2004. It's small, but eminently comfortable, and with enough interior space to haul stuff around. It's also a joint venture with Toyota, so it's famous for good build quality and fuel economy.
The purchase went down two weeks ago while I was in Chicago. I traveled down to the city's notorious South Side, where after months of trawling the internet I determined the best model available would be. We nearly drove right past the dealership, since they only had a store front on a mostly vacant and depressed street.
Roseland Pontiac was the name of the place. According to them, it's the oldest GM dealership in the world, with a near century-long history. It's certainly unlike any dealership I've ever seen. It's like walking into a small store in a historic neighborhood, except someone went and parked three brand new cars in the middle of the building.
Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to take any pictures of the new ride. Plus, it's pretty dirty at the moment. Another crappy iPhone photo will have to do for now.
There's been extensive discussion on naming the vehicle. Bucephalus, my truck, got his name after at least a year so I am in no hurry. Claire is particularly fond of Nessie, but I think Ogopogo would be a better cryptid name. I'm also partial to Elwood, since like that particular Blues Brother, my car hails from the South Side. What do you think?
3. My Family Visited -- and it was awesome! After spending some time in Philly and in New York, everyone rolled in to town for a lovely long 4th of July weekend. We played music, ate great food, saw some awesome fireworks, and enjoyed each other's company.
(As always, hit the link for more photos)
It's so phenomenal to see everyone; especially my siblings.
Of particular interest was the DC fireworks display. After a solid day of hemming and hawing about whether to sit out on the mall with half a million (actual count) people or try to catch a glimpse from elsewhere, we bit the bullet and hit the mall. Despite the crowds, belligerent club girls, poor bathroom facilities, and the knowledge that we would have to run to a Metro stop to beat the crowds, I have to say it was an amazing sight.
Unlike most firework shows I've seen, where one or two explosions go off at a time until the grand finale, the DC fireworks is all finale all the time. Also, we saw the whole thing with the beautifully illuminated Capitol at our backs and the Washington Monument standing resolutely between us and the fireworks. It was, no pun intended, a blast.
I was so sorry to see my family drive off into the distance, particularly because they took Bucephalus with them. But I know this isn't the last time I'll see them, or him, and should probably just swallow my drama and buck up.
---
There, I think that just about covers it. Now, on to new business...
I have no other excuse for my recent internet laziness other than The Wire, a fantastic cop drama that ran 5 seasons on HBO some time ago. I had heard about the show back in 2007/08, but decided to ignore it since the entire staff of the Michigan Daily was in love with it. It's not a judgement against any one particular person on the staff, it's just that I've read their Arts column and sincerely doubt their taste.
The point is that the show is great, and I've been consuming the DVDs for the past few weeks. The show is as addictive as the illegal substances it portrays.
---
There are three items of particular importance that I will now address.
1. Claire Has Been Gone For Some Time -- Claire is still in Chicago, working diligently for the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago. As part of her Masters program with George Washington University, she has to do so many hours of interning. Being a native of the North Shore, she chose to spend this summer working on restoring an Assyrian Frieze.
Her job involves a lot of washing, a lot of digital paper-pushing, and arranging photos of the puzzle piece fragments of the frieze over a 19th century French line drawing of the original. It's painstaking, but she really enjoys working in a museum.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to get any behind the scenes pictures from her, but I did visit the main exhibit a few weeks ago. However, I did snap a few quick shots of the pieces already on display. This one is my favorite:
 |
| From Chicago Oriental Institute |
Follow the link for a few more.
More info on the institute and it's collections can be found here, and Claire's project is here.
In other news, she just submitted her first academic article for publication. Here's hoping it gets accepted!
---
This is starting to sound like a Christmas letter; I'm sorry for that.
---
2. I Bought A New Car -- Times being what they are, I decided to single handily save not only the domestic automotive industry but my father's job and the global economy to boot. I am your hero. To quote the great Strongbad, "dudes, form a line to my left for high-fives; ladies, form a line to my right for makeouts."
The car in question is a candy-apple red 2009 Pontiac Vibe. I've been attracted to the Vibe since my father purchased one back in 2004. It's small, but eminently comfortable, and with enough interior space to haul stuff around. It's also a joint venture with Toyota, so it's famous for good build quality and fuel economy.
The purchase went down two weeks ago while I was in Chicago. I traveled down to the city's notorious South Side, where after months of trawling the internet I determined the best model available would be. We nearly drove right past the dealership, since they only had a store front on a mostly vacant and depressed street.
Roseland Pontiac was the name of the place. According to them, it's the oldest GM dealership in the world, with a near century-long history. It's certainly unlike any dealership I've ever seen. It's like walking into a small store in a historic neighborhood, except someone went and parked three brand new cars in the middle of the building.
Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to take any pictures of the new ride. Plus, it's pretty dirty at the moment. Another crappy iPhone photo will have to do for now.
There's been extensive discussion on naming the vehicle. Bucephalus, my truck, got his name after at least a year so I am in no hurry. Claire is particularly fond of Nessie, but I think Ogopogo would be a better cryptid name. I'm also partial to Elwood, since like that particular Blues Brother, my car hails from the South Side. What do you think?
3. My Family Visited -- and it was awesome! After spending some time in Philly and in New York, everyone rolled in to town for a lovely long 4th of July weekend. We played music, ate great food, saw some awesome fireworks, and enjoyed each other's company.
 |
| From Patriotic Familial Visit |
(As always, hit the link for more photos)
It's so phenomenal to see everyone; especially my siblings.
 |
| From Patriotic Familial Visit |
Of particular interest was the DC fireworks display. After a solid day of hemming and hawing about whether to sit out on the mall with half a million (actual count) people or try to catch a glimpse from elsewhere, we bit the bullet and hit the mall. Despite the crowds, belligerent club girls, poor bathroom facilities, and the knowledge that we would have to run to a Metro stop to beat the crowds, I have to say it was an amazing sight.
Unlike most firework shows I've seen, where one or two explosions go off at a time until the grand finale, the DC fireworks is all finale all the time. Also, we saw the whole thing with the beautifully illuminated Capitol at our backs and the Washington Monument standing resolutely between us and the fireworks. It was, no pun intended, a blast.
 |
| From Patriotic Familial Visit |
I was so sorry to see my family drive off into the distance, particularly because they took Bucephalus with them. But I know this isn't the last time I'll see them, or him, and should probably just swallow my drama and buck up.
---
There, I think that just about covers it. Now, on to new business...
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