The Limits of Blogging

Sometimes I do not write because the events going on in my life/mind seem way too big.

Having my brother Clay in town last week was an absolutely mind-blowing experience. So many thoughts and realizations were running through my skull that it seems I could not pick out one to write about unless I gave the background on the 50,000 thoughts that lead up to that realization or experience.

I think I need to learn to just write something.... it may not be a perfect representation of the thoughts in my head, but (hopefully) it will be better than nothing.

The Stress of No Stress

I decided to take the weekend off from reality...

Began my time away from work with Andrew's party in Brooklyn. While I truly enjoyed being on his roof with the gorgeous view of Manhattan. There were a lot of ingredients in place to make it an affair to remember, but for some reason my head was not in it.

Saturday was hot so I just chilled indoors and nursed a (thankfully) mild hangover.

Sunday I vowed to get some stuff done, but due to the rain I got about half the errands accomplished.

Of course now that it is Sunday evening I am berating myself for not "doing" more, but I guess I am justifying my laziness and desire to be a recluse because last weekend was so event filled that I need a break from the holiday weekend.

Building The Perfect Beast

If you like looking at things that are awesome, you must pick up the new issue of Arena Homme+. Nick Knight and Simon Foxton have teamed up to photograph the work of John Galliano. The results are spectacular and a computer image cannot do them justice. You must have the hard copy to enjoy fully.

I am definitely inspired to wear headgear on the streets....and I already like to be naked in public, so expect me to start delivering these looks to the masses.

Beauty Just A Block Away

If I have failed to mention it a million times before...I love New York. It still blows my mind when events like this happen.

Danny Krivit, one of my all time favorite DJs (and super-nice guy) will be working his magique at Sullivan Room ...literally one block from my apartment.

If you had told me many moons ago that I would only have to walk a block to hear a hero of house music, I would not have believed it. Now it is reality.

This party will be packed, so please do not "front" on it.

Finally

Ladies and Gentlemen...Congratulations must be sent out to Kiki&Herb for their Tony nomination.

Finally a reason to watch that has-been television broadcast.

1965

Just started and, five minutes later, finished reading this book. I was suckered in by this cat being a professor at Harvard. After a mere 3 pages in I could tell that continued reading would be a waste of my valuble free time.

His ideas are perfectly cogent if this were 1965. It is sad to see people be so out of touch with the zeitgeist.

This guy is retarded...Do not read this book...It is dumb.

Happy Birthday Helvetica!

One of my favorite fonts is celebrating it's fiftieth birthday.

Congratulations on outlasting the critics that say you are boring. If we all work hard enough we can make serifs a thing of the past.

My Cultural Imperialism

Got out of work late in the day on Saturday, so I missed most of the Dance Parade. Caught up with the festivities at Washington Square Park.

I had a ridiculously horrible headache, so I was not really in the mood of a dance event. I am kind of glad that I was not in the mood as I felt like the event was not as F-U-N as it could have been (the rain from the heavens could have also been a factor).

In anticipating the parade I thought the organizers were trying to make a debaucherous event more palatable by featuring a wide variety of dance groups...cloggers, flagwavers, etc. My cynical hope was that these acts would have been a little "spice" that would accent the fact that the event was really to feature house/tech djs in an outdoor space.

Unfortunately the organizers were more sincere than I am as they really truly put the spotlight on these talented performers. Me...I just wanted a dj spinning vicious beats under a springtime sky.

There were a lot of "rave kids" there (and by kids I mean nostalgic 35 year olds) who looked like they just stepped out of auditions for Party Monster II. Although to me they were annoying...these wide-legged denizens definitely confused the tourists who normally populate Washington Square Park on the weekend.

Shout Out: Pushead

Back in the eighties Pushead was at the intersection of all that was evil and awesome.

The highly detailed graphics he created fit in perfectly with the "Fuck You" attitude of the skateboard companies, hardcore and metal bands that were lucky enough to enjoy his talents.

While many look back at the eighties and think neon colors and disposible pop music, there was also an air of dread in the ether. Nuclear war was a distinct threat and my archnemesis Ronald Reagan fostered the era of greed and me-first-ism.

Pushead's designs were technically precise and matched with an imagination that allowed the darker side of the human psyche to come forth.

Anniversary Party

Twelve years and one day after I first heard him spin and my life was literally changed, Frankie Knuckles is playing this Sunday at Cielo.

Faithful readers will understand the impact that Frankie Knuckles has had on my life.

I simply cannot wait for this party...I have been in such a weird "head-space" lately and am in desperate need of the hours and hours of truly positive music that only Frankie can deliver. I am so not worried about being tired on Monday morning as my memories will shine on long after the muscle strain fades.

International Jet Set

Lynn came into work today and was telling me of her recent trip to Milan. While it would have been super exciting for me, she relayed how boring and over hyped it was.

I love people who can walk the fine line between being cynical and being jaded.

Irreplacable Forever

Although she was only a stylist and a muse (two occupations that are sorely underappreciated) Isabella Blow had deep impact on anyone with an appreciation for over the top fashion.

It is hard to believe that she has passed at what I now think of as a young age.

They do not make them like this anymore...

The Simple Things

Got a postcard in the mail from my girl Jody. It just said she was thinking about me. I have felt so "out of it" lately that this simple sentiment totally transformed my day.

It is amazing what happens when you have awesome people in your life.

Thank you Universe.

Jealousy

Kevin came into work yesterday. He was telling me what an awesome boss Conan is. I was so jealous, as I am still contemplating smashing my boss's kneecaps for not giving me the promotion I deserved.

Shout Out: Kansai Yamamoto

We are constantly listening to Bowie at work. I think my appreciation for him is increasing daily...But you have to give love to the cats that he surrounded himself that helped manifest his "mystique"

Kansai Yamamoto was the jean-genius behind those Ziggy Stardust costumes that destroyed the general public back in the day. It is hard to imagine the Ziggy persona without those "over-the-top" designs.

Broken

I am still in "crushed spirit" mode due to not getting the promotion at work. The still raw wound is making me feel as though I have wasted a year of my life. My tendency is to try to see the positive amidst the tragedy, but this time it feels more difficult than in the past. It is especially frustrating as all the pieces were in place for this career advancement to happen. I am also bitter about how my boss informed me about his decision, but that is another post entirely.

Cain pointed out that this tendency to see " the bright side" is not always the appropriate response. As a result I have vowed to stop making lemonade when life gives me lemons...and perhaps just start hurling lemons.

Garden Party

Went around the corner to Jeremy's apartment last night to have a couple of drinks. Sat out on his private patio and chilled underneath the stars.

I am glad it was only a one-block walk home as, after only two drinks I could barely walk straight. When did I become such a light weight...truth be told it was probably also related to a week of sleeplessness and generalized mental exhaustion.

R.I.P.

Yesterday as part of my chillout process I walked down Carmine St. It was then I discovered that Vinylmania had closed.

I cannot tell you how many hours I spent in that store. When I first came to New York and was jobless, I would visit on pretty much daily basis. Coming from Nebraska I was thoroughly enamoured with the idea that there was an entire store devoted to House Music.

Every time I exited the store I had at least one or two songs ingrained in my head just from the exposure of whoever was manning the turntables at the time.

Frequently I would use the resourcefulness of the employees to learn the name of song that I had heard in a club. Picture me attempting to sing a song from a deep house diva...not pretty, but it often got the job done.

In his book, Mel Cheren talks about "the Children" leaving the Garage on Sunday morning and immediately walking over to Vinylmania to attempt to find some gem that Larry Levan had just turned them on with.

Relaxing After The Perfect Storm

Due to work commitments I have only had the opportunity to write on the weekends...unfortunately I had to take Saturday off from writing just to chill the F out.

This week was a Perfect Storm of stressors. Thanks to a situation too unnecessarily complex to explain to the uninterested layperson we have been crazy busy at work. I have struggled to keep my head above water...considering the challenges I faced I think I did a pretty good job. That being said I still had some people on the sidelines question my methods. I had to shed my nice-guy mask and totally "shut 'em down". I hate to be a bad-ass and put people in their place, but if pushed I will not hesitate.

Sometimes I feel guilty because, while they have earned my wrath, I totally come out swinging and will be relentless until I destroy them. I have often told my employees that if they treat me with respect I will take a bullet for them...but if they come at me wrong I will be merciless in crushing them. It may not be today or tomorrow but the day of reckoning will come.

Last week I sent out a company-wide e-mail praising a co-worker in a different department. This week that same co-worker attempted to "confront" me because I did not "sugar-coat" some words I had with an employee that reports to him...now I am required by my own twisted standard of conduct to destroy him...

Really?!?

I am so tired of this ridiculous weather. Forty degrees for a high on Easter...Are you kidding me?

Instead of wearing sweaters, I should be comfortably ensconced in Hot Pants by this time of year.

Pure Awesomeness

I swear to G-d that this image is not photo-shopped.

Discovered it while doing a bit of research on Glen E. Friedman.

How beautiful is it to see Chuck and Flav sporting Minor Threat threads back in the day. Imagine if Public Enemy had mashed it up with Ian Mackaye on stage...

By the way, if you have not seen Dogtown and Z-boys (in which Glen E. Friedman makes an appearance)... then your life has been pointless. It is truly awe-inspiring.

We Wear Masks

Started reading this book last night. Although it was published in the fifties it is still very timely.

It is a touch "scholarly" and I think a few of the concepts Goffman talks about are going over my head, but it is still pretty cool.

He makes the case that our every interaction is a "performance", that we play parts and wear masks with dealing with others.

Basically I think it boils down to that quote that Rupaul made famous..."we are born naked...the rest is all drag"

I think that is a pretty complete assesment of human behavior...

Good News...I'm More Blind-er!

Had to have an eye exam today. I wanted to just go in and pick up some new contacts, but I was informed that it had been more than a year and a half since my last vision test, so I had to be checked out before they could sell me some more lenses.

My prescription has not changed in at least six years so I was a little pissed that I was going to have to pay for and endure the wait for an exam.

As fate would have it my eyes have gotten 1.25 % worse since my last visit to the doctor so... a brand new prescription was in order.

Unfortunately they did not have this radical new prescription in stock, so I have to wait a week in order to see the world in all it's full gorgeousness.

Shout Out: Felix Gonzalez-Torres

Right now I am totally worshipping the work of Felix Gonzalez-Torres. His works were just so subtle and simple and perfect. So simple that in some cases it was possible to not even notice them.

In a world of artistic bombast, this is an undervalued virtue. Quiet gestures always speak louder than grandstanding.

Stop The Retardedness

My girl Ana decided to ruin my week by sending me this link. Why do these children think it is cool to destroy an iconic image. Do you think that an image becomes iconic because it is new and fresh...how about focussing on that for a change.

I know it is kind of a joke-y cliche to say...but I seriously think that Ian Curtis would roll over in his grave if he knew an image associated with Joy Division was used to sell sneakers.

Shout Out: Neville Brody

Back in the day I used to literally worship The Face magazine. I was perpetually combing local bookstores hoping that at least a single issue had arrived from London.

Of course by the time an issue came into Nebraska it was several months out of date...but that was okay as the artists and fashions featured within would not arrive in the consciousnesses of my fellow Nebraskans for years...

I used to fawn of the designs and fonts that Neville Brody would come up with. He truly created a "style bible". Everything always looked so fresh and fantastic.

Paris/Brooklyn

Just discovered that Daft Punk will be playing Keyspan Stadium August 9th. Of course that is the weekend I plan to be in Los Angeles for Abe's wedding.

Damn this luck of mine...

Adults Only

Had dinner with Cain at Bianca last night.

The food was very simple and awesome. The bottle of wine we split was great and truly needed after another high intensity week at work.

Went next door to Von for a "nightcap".

Maybe it was because Cain looked handsome still clad in his necktie from his workday. Maybe it was because I had not sat down and actually ate a "real" meal in a while...but the evening had a very "Adult" feeling to it (or maybe I am revealing my prolonged adolesence).

It just seemed to me that this is what "Adults" do...work hard, treat yourself to food prepared by someone else, have a good conversation then enjoy a night of sleep...

Into The Way Back Machine

"Boogie Nights" was on IFC so I decided to watch it again.

Reminded me of when I saw it in the theater. It was definitely my first week in New York City. I was unemployed at the time so I decided to do something "decadent" and go to an afternoon showing at the Village East Cinemas.

In hindsight I should have been more neurotic about finding a job, but because I was new to the city and my bank account seemed full I was going to the movies in the afternoon.

Sometimes those carefree days of October 1997 seem like a million miles away...

I Am A Strange Person

Example #709

Every time I put fresh sheets and pillowcases on my bed I "christen" them with a kiss...thanking them in advance for the peaceful slumber they will provide.

With my frequent dalliances with insomnia I need to cover all my bases.

Visual Madeleine

Last Saturday Cain and I were walking to Zakka to do some shopping (full disclosure...he was shopping I was looking/stealing graphic design ideas from their selection of books). As we were crossing Broadway at Grand St. and I looked over and noticed the homeless people that sell stuff on the Broadway from Grand to Houston St.

I am always intrigued at their selection of wares. One vendor may only have a Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt, an Atari videogame cartridge and baseball glove, while his neighboring vendor will be peddling a vast selection of out-dated cellphone antennae. There seems to be neither rhyme nor reason to the wares, and I wonder who the "target market" for such random items is.

Regardless, as we waited for the walk sign to turn in our favor I glanced over and noticed someone selling a navy blue quasi-velour kimono-style robe...very de riguer for suburban males circa 1979/1980. Instantly I was transported back to a circumstance I found myself in a couple of decades ago...

Cue dreamy memory sequence music...

When I was around 11 or 12 years old I "officially" inherited a paper route. I had helped my siblings deliver their newspapers for years, but then I took over a route from my brother Clay.

Other than having to get up at five in the morning to deliver the papers, the other huge downside to being a "paperboy" was having to collect the payments from the customers.

When I was around 13 I began delivering to a man named Mr. Robertson who lived about three blocks from my house. Mr. Robertson was recently divorced, his ex-wife and daughter (who was a grade ahead of me in school...ultra popular, pretty, and sweet) had moved out leaving him to become a born again bachelor at what I am guessing to be the age of 45.

While I was making my monthly rounds to collect money for the papers I had delivered, Mr. Robertson had always been very kind to me...which was not the case with many other of my clients. He was very friendly, and because I knew the situation with his departed family members I began to think sense that he was very lonely.

The first few times I entered his house I noticed that there were a few strategically placed Playboy magazines on the coffee table. A little bit odd I thought...but hey, now that he doesn't have a wife and daughter around...why not?

Then one month he answered the door wearing a navy blue quasi-velour kimono style robe. Kind of unusual for 6pm in the evening, but hey he is a "free-spirit"...

Mr. Robertson's look, I should note, was very low-rent Burt Reynolds. He was probably about 5'5" (about the same as me at the time) very skinny with a very hair chest. Maybe it was the new found bachelorhood, but his way of behaving around me was very amateur-swinger wannabe...Think Don Knotts as Ralph Furley on "Three's Company"

Anyway, so as I just mentioned he greets me at his front door wearing a robe...Then the next month he answers the door again in his robe, but this time as I enter the house his robe accidentally-on-purpose comes undone revealing Mr. Robertson in his tight bikini underwear. He makes no attempt cover himself up and I obviously not doing a very good job of hiding my curiousity...very awkward, but I am soon on my way...

The next month the exact same scenario happens regarding the accidental opening of his robe, but this time there is no tight bikini underwear seperating me from his manhood in all it's glory...

Needless to say, but one thing leads to another and....Oh, I should probably end the story right here and save some of the tawdry further details for my future memoirs (think of this post as a "teaser" for a book to be published several decades from now.)

Suffice it to say, the mere glancing in my peripheral vision on a street corner in New York City in 2007 tripped the wires in my brain to go way back in time. A simpler and sexier time.

Coincidence...Me Thinks Not

Is it just chance that six days after Geoff and I get our cocktail on at Pravda, the legends at
Paper Magazine declare it Bar of The Week. Damn I hate being so cutting edge.

Fighting The Wrong Battle

Am about 50 pages into this book and it is pretty damn awesome. Basically the author is suggesting that the political Left has abandoned the fight against economic inequality in favor of a toothless fight against "prejudice", racism and political incorrectness.

Maybe it is my working class roots, but this totally resonates with me. I am so tired of hearing that anything related to issues of class is tantamount to asking for class warfare. I am not ashamed to admit that I believe that class warfare is exactly what we need right now.

Another Product Endorsement

For Christmas last year, my sister gave me some of this cleanser as a gift. Normally I buy fragrance-free products as I do not want any scent to interfere with the Comme des Garcons odeur du jour. But this line of products is absolutely amazing.

My sister loaded me up with more products for my birthday and they are just as incredible. Totally "non-chemically" feeling...just super fresh feeling.

Due to the pricing of the product, and the fact that I am not yet a Rockefeller, I have had to resolve to only treat myself to actually using the products on my days off from work...an indulgence to take me away from the day to day struggle and nasally stimulate my mental freedom from the job.

My Dilemmas

Perfect...The day after I verbally agree to become a work-a-holic for my boss (assuming that it will pay off financially and career-wise) I find out about this party.

How am I supposed to kick-ass on Monday morning after tearing up the dancefloor on Sunday night?

I guess I will have to figure out a solution as an evening with these two gigantic talents is just too juicy to pass up. I always justify my temporary post-night-out fatigue with the fact that the spiritual benefit is so long term.

The Only Redeeming Quality of Mondays

...finding a new hard copy issue of The New Yorker in my mailbox. The antidote for the internet.

Can't Lie...

I really did nothing this weekend. After seven solid days of work and this retarded weather, I did nothing but chill out.

I had a laundry list of projects but I guess they will have to wait until next weekend. Super Doppler 3000 is already forecasting 65 degree temperatures for next Saturday, so I will probably want to be outside enjoying spring...and the tasks may still be left undone.

Roots Are Necessary

Had drinks with Geoff last night at Pravda. Wonderful conversation with a truly interesting and awesome friend...what more could a person want?

Due to both of us working too much, I rarely get to hang out with Geoff that often, which is a shame as he is rad and we always have mucho laughs.

Craziness

My 'hood is still reeling from the murder spree the other night. Thankfully I was seven floors above the fray...

My boy Jeremy who lives one block away, over on Sullivan Street, was unfortunate enough to look out his first floor apartment window and see the shooter firing ten feet outside his window. I can't imagine being that near to victimhood.

...Be About It

Some time ago I came across a bit of commentary regarding the difference between Europeans and Americans. The commentator said that when a European looks at a homeless person they think "...There but for the grace of God go I" whereas an American will think "...Tough luck, sucker".

While these statements are, of course, gross generalizations there was something about them that really affected me. Whenever I saw a homeless person or a person with a physical disability I began to concsciously think "...there but for the grace of God go I"

In doing this I hoped to curb the cold-hearted tendencies that I sometimes give in to. In a sense it had the desired effect as I seemed to soften my mental approach or acknowlegement of the seemingly increasing homeless presence in New York.

The other day I was at work. I looked out the window and I saw a man who was limping due to a severe deformity of his legs. As a matter of habit, I thought "...there but for the grace of God go I" but this time the true meaning of those words hit me like a bullet. God/The Universe/The Cosmos has truly blessed me. Although I struggle, as everyone does, my burdens are relatively light compared to a multitude of my fellow humans.

Why my struggles are different or less cumbersome than others is a mystery that will never be solved...As I have mentioned in a previous post, I need to perpetually remind myself that there is no shame in whatever burdens appear on any of our shoulders.

Still Legendary

Hard to believe it has been ten years since Notorious B.I.G. was murdered. Although I wasn't a B.I.G. fan at the time (Thanks to Ethan for turning me on to him years later), I have nothing but true respect for his talent now.

It is so crazy that he was only 25 at the time of his death.

Let Love Rule

In anticipation of his future tour of duty in Iraq, my nephew Cody married his girlfriend Stacy at the courthouse in Lincoln yesterday.

If I hadn't had such a mature conversation with Cody while shooting hoops last Christmas I might have condemned his decision. I mean a 23 year old is too young to get married right? But I guess my current attitude (especially regarding matters of the heart) is "Why not?"

My peeples Brian and Carol got hitched at about the same age and they have one of the sanest relationships I have ever seen...

End Of An Era

I will probably not attend the closing party of the Roxy tomorrow night. But I must admit that there is a part of me that is sentimental to see it's demise.

Steve Travolta spun there a few times a couple of years ago and tore it to shreds, but other than that the DJs they had were slaves to that overdone "tribal" sounds that only severe drug addicts really enjoy and does nothing to unite a dancefloor.

(In fact the last time I was at Roxy Saturdays, I almost got into a fight, a first at a gay club, but some young punk got upset that his boyfriend was grinding his butt into my crotchal region...don't hate me 'cuz you can't satisfy your man!)

I guess I am mostly melancholy because Roxy was one of the first big clubs in NYC I witnessed when I visited here 15 years ago...and it definitely made an impression on a smalltown boy.

Although Roxy has been a staple for the Chelsea Boy scene, it means one less superclub in the city. I think it also shows the declining importance of the gays in clubland and mainstream culture. At it's inception in 1991, Roxy Saturdays were a circus, a haven for go-for-broke partiers. Now that the gays have been commodified into Abercrombie+Fitch acceptability, a place like Roxy no longer has the same impact.

Corporate Art Can Still Be Cool

While over by Eyebeam yesterday, decided to stop into the Matthew Marks gallery to see this show by Darren Almond. This piece was in the front room.

It is a 12 foot high and 25 foot wide "digital" clock. The "L.E.D" effect was created by the metal flaps that would open and close every minute showing the new time. Very clean, modern and yet primitive at the same time...

Open City Opened Mind

Went over to EyeBeam for the Open City show. It was totally inspiring. So many different approaches to taking back "public space" and making it truly public.

Some of the creations on display (and in video documentation) really made me appreciate the level of creativity that can exist in our day and age. People are reappropriating technology for uses that were never intended.

If you have even the slightest interest in the possibilities of street art, you MUST check out this show.

Don't Hate Me 'Cuz I'm Beautiful

Two clients in a row complimented my on my latest haircut. Better not let this get out or Betty will start charging me more...

Just By Chance

Ran into my girl Heather at the CVS on Christopher St. Have not seen her in forever. She is rehearsing for this play. Can't wait to see it as she is a pretty brilliant performer (and human)

On A Future PBS Schedule

Saw Ken Burns on Broadway, then a couple of days later he was following me into my gym. The only conclusion I could draw was that he was attempting to get footage for his new documentary on the gorgeousness of my well-toned ass.

That Child Is Crazy

Stopped into Casa Magazines yesterday to do some periodical browsing. There was a woman buying a literal stack of fashion magazines. She was obviously buying these for "work" as she reminded the man behind the counter numerous times that she needed a receipt.

The man behind the counter was attempting to get her to buy more as he was pointing out various issues that were absent from her stack..."...but you are not even at the $200 mark" he implored. "I know, I know" she jokingly responded "but I don't want to spend all weekend reading magazines!"

Yeah, I couldn't believe such a comment coming from another human being either...

Product Endorsement

Since I can't track down my favorite "New Energy" incense, I have had to resort to the awesomeness of this candle. I am normally not a huge fan of musk, but it works so well with the vanilla to create a truly intoxicating aroma.

England Appreciates "the Force"

Came across this article in The Guardian. A brief view of the Disco moment and what it meant/means.

I love one of the guy's quotes about the dancefloor of the Paradise Garage being a "blueprint for the future". That is what I feel everytime the dancefloor explodes in communal exultation.

Today's Message

As I passed Judson Memorial Church today, they had the following quote by the front door...

The real voyage of discovery consists of not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.- Marcel Proust

How true is that?

The Countdown Has Begun

Only three and a half days until the planet Mercury goes "direct". Hopefully some sanity will return to my life.

Thankfully I am not alone in my disdain for the disruptive mercurial power. My boy Andrew voices his opinion on the matter here.

The bad news is that after Merecury goes direct...Andrew can no longer use that as an excuse for his lateness issues...

Survival

I somehow survived last nights festivities. I was planning on only having a couple of mild cocktails then walking the 67 footsteps to my front door, but Sisha showed up and began a tab on his credit card. Basically an open bar for the rest of the evening. Very dangerous indeed.

Ben, Jose, and Alyssa also made appearances. I think Ben had had a couple of drinks beforehand as his lips were very loose...which is great because he is normally so reserved and careful with his words. There is a reason why alcohol is America's number one social lubricant...

The Knife

On Cain's recommendation I picked up this album at Other Music. I listened to a few songs but couldn't really get "into" it.

Today, due to the 62 degree temperature I decided to go on one of my New York visionquests. Basically I just leave my apt. and start walking with no specific destination in mind. This album was my iPod soundtrack and I truly "got" the genius of these kids...it is kind of brutal yet has a light-heartedness to it. It is funny without being a novelty record. It is truly retrofuturistic. It is awesome.

Buy or download immediately.

Official Confirmation

In this article the Times officially sanctions my holier-than-thou attitude to the rest of humanity. Please note this excerpt:

Both art and fashion speak in a densely encoded visual language to a certain status, knowledge and taste. Roughly translated, that means an elitism that makes those who know the difference between, say, James Turrell and Olafur Eliasson (or, for that matter, between Prada and Lanvin) feel secure in their defense of social Darwinism.

Yes, I am at the top of the social Darwinist ladder due to my knowledge of this shit which means nothing in the grand scheme of things.

(Yet as noted in a previous post I am still going to see the Olafur Eliasson show at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.)

Will The Dove Give Love?

Going to meet Jeremy and Scott for drinks at The Dove tonight. Will be my first alcohol-fuelled "night out" since my notorious LiverMassacre of last December. The fact that this place is literally 67 steps from the front door of my apartment building will either be a blessing or a curse....details later.

Yesterday's News

Because I decided to avoid the big art fair(ie)s this weekend, I thought I should at least expose myself to some creativity. Hustled my ass down to Deitch to see this show. It was totally rad. Just color, shape and motion in the form of a projection. I literally could have watched it for days.

Left the gallery and ran into Josh, which was strange as I was in one of my "enjoying the anonymity of the big city" moment and then "poof" he is right in my face...

Return To The Source

I have said it before and I'll say it again, Anne Slater is so fuckin' stylish that it physically hurts me. I wish I could marry those blue glasses...how gangsta are they?

Give Me Ignorance

What do you do when you discover online that an old high school nemesis earns exactly three times your salary? Why do I need this information in my life. Let me remain in the dark.

Over But Still Rad

Now that every teenager in America can buy PunkRock gear at their local mall, the whole Punk thing has lost all it's initial bite....Yet this mugshot of Sid is still pretty awesome.

The Need

Spend five minutes with me and you will realize that I cannot shut up about my horrible case of Spring Fever. The past few days I have been thinking incessantly about going to the beach this summer. I am like a little kid waiting for Christmas. I am giddy with the joy that sun, sand and surf will provide me in the near future.

Truth From The Monkeys

I know that these guys were so over-hyped that they were destined to fall...but this is still the best album title in forever.

Auto Repeat

Have I mentioned that Mercury is retrograde...I am suprised I am even able to post as technology suffers when Mercury plays with communication on Earth.

There have been so many misunderstandings this week that I try to eliminate all communication that is not necessary to day-to-day survival.

Yes, I am aware that I am retarded.

This Weekend

Started off the weekend by dining with Stan and Jim at Bao 111. The meal was absolutely divine...so many fresh flavors and unique tastes. I am still thinking about the Jasmine ice cream that blew my mind.

Decided to break out of my "Casual Everyday" mode of dressing for an evening. Threw on some Dior, my Bruno Magli's and my Harris Tweed overcoat. Less you think I am a label whore there was some H&M in the mix for a bit of cheap-ass flava. And since you are reading this blog I can only assume you yearn to know every detail of my life, this was the underwear I was sporting.

Saturday I slept in until 6:15am and then hit the gym. Went card shopping and picked up some DVDs at Kim's Video. Watched the Comedians of Comedy Tour movie which was super awesome Zach Galifiankis is probably my favorite comedian right now and he is in rare form in the footage presented. Lots of delicious absurdist humor. Exactly what I needed.

Caught up on a weeks worth of TV, which sans commercials only takes a few hours.

Started reading this book before I went to bed.

Despite going to bed early I still could not get a full night's slumber. I woke up a little after 4 am and could not get back to sleep. Decided to get up watch Logan's Run, which I remember watching at my sister's house, like 25 years ago...

Wanted to go swimming, so I headed to the New York Sports Club at 49th and Broadway. They have some ridulous rule forcing all swimmer's to wear a swim cap. Needless to say that is not a cute look for me so I avoided the pool. Thankfully the gym is located 15 stories above Times Square so there were some fantastic city views afforded by the panoramic windows. Plus they have one of these machines which sort of mimic the motions of Rollerblading. It will truly kick your ass (while making your ass look gorgeous).

Came home and wrote some greeting cards and just chilled. Watched The Science of Sleep which had some beautiful visuals that I pray will infect my dreams tonight.

Along the way I chatted briefly with my sister and texted a few cats, but had limited human contact, which is exactly what I craved

Last Weekend

Still recovering from last weekend's birthday extravaganza with my girl Calla. She is always a joy to be around. Hanging out with a six-year-old certainly can break you out of your mental comfort zone.

Sad But True

Every day I savor the 1 or 2 extra minutes of sunlight that we have as we approach spring...It gets me so excited for the prospect of summer...

Yes, I am aware that it is only January 27th.

Vacation Plans Must Happen

I already know where I am going to spend my vacation this year. Going to have to get my ass out to San Francisco to see this show...

Take Your Time: Olafur Eliasson Saturday, September 08, 2007 – Sunday, February 24, 2008 SFMOMA presents the first comprehensive survey in the United States of works by Olafur Eliasson, whose sculptures, installations, and photographs elegantly recreate the extremes of landscape and atmosphere in his native Scandinavia, while foregrounding the sensory experience of the work itself. His constructions, at once eccentric and highly geometric, use crystalline tunnels of mirrors, multicolored washes or focused projections of light, and elements such as water, stone, and moss to shift the viewer’s perception of place and self. By transforming the gallery into a hybrid space of nature and culture, Eliasson prompts an intensive engagement with the world around us and a fresh consideration of everyday life.

It is going to be awesome to see Eliasson take over the SF Museum of Modern Art.

Tropicalia

Tropicália: A Revolution in Brazilian Culture
Tropicália is the first comprehensive exhibition to explore one of the most significant chapters in modern cultural history, a period beginning in the late 1960s when daring experiments in Brazilian art, music, film, architecture and theater converged—and ignited. Although suppressed by an increasingly oppressive military dictatorship, the moment produced a counterculture that has influenced successive generations of artists, even up to the present day.

Went to this show at the Bronx Museum of Art last Sunday. I must admit that I was drawn in by seeing a piece by Assume Vivid Astro Focus, but the rest of the show was just as incredible. So many awesome graphic ideas that I will be stealing in the future.

Quote of The Day

I am absolutely in love with this quote:

"Nothing is ever so good that someone somewhere won't hate it. And vice versa." - - Mark Twain

Simple Pleasures

Had a wonderful time Friday night celebrating Michael's Birthday...Had some kick ass pizza at Adrienne's and reconnected with Ana.

What more could a boy want?

The Body

Maybe it is the age I am now, or maybe it is that I have been oblivious before, but I am currently facinated by the human body. More specifically I am facinated with the tie between the human body and the concept of pain.

Over the past few years I have had these situations where I could be lying in bed, or walking down the street and all of the sudden there is instantaneous pain somewhere in my body unrelated to the motion or immotion of my body at the time. I don't understand how a headache can make an appearance in the blink of an eye. I can understand how an illness or disease can slowly infect a body. A cough or a few sniffles here and there and then you realize that you have had a low-level "cold" for a couple of days...that I can fathom. But how can you have a normal stress-free day and then all of the sudden have a piercing pain in your arm. Where was that pain before? Was it just hanging out trying to build up the critical mass to fill up the synapses in the brain's pain receptor field?

Maybe I should have one of those full body MRIs to have myself screened for everything all at once.

Drafts Undone

I have not posted lately as I have had 2 super long-winded drafts that I have been unable to complete...the ideas are definitely in my head but how to get them to go through my fingers to the keyboard is another matter entirely. Plus there is some mental detrius that is better served expressing to my therapist than to the blog-viewing public.

So I have decided that there is probably a good reason that I have writer's block in relation to those unwritten topics...I gots to move forward.

Is It 2007 Yet?

I can't believe that it is already the 13th of January and I am just getting around to writing my first posts.

The weeks before Christmas were ridiculously hectic...Then the holiday itself which, due to my presence in Nebraska, is worthy of at least 27 posts alone...then a busy new years period has left me with little time to write (or even think straight for that matter).

In someways it feels like I am just getting into that blissful winter doldrum period. The fact that is just now feeling winterlike is contributing to my "slowing down" (whatever that means)

Give Me Genius

My favorite neighborhood coffee place always has a "sandwich board" on the sidewalk. Most businesses use this form of free advertising to promote one or more of their products. The one that Think Coffee has in front always has these completely random funny sayings on it. A few weeks ago it had quote on it that literally had me laughing out loud. It said:

"To the person who I threw scalding hot coffee on...I am sorry, I thought you were on fire."

True Legend R.I.P.

The word legend is often tossed about frivolously. But a true legend has died. Van Smith's contribution to the John Water's oeuvre is obvious, but this cat affected pop culture way beyond those films.

The older I get the more I see how some truly visionary people do not get the fame or the name recognition, but their ideas slowly permeate the culture. Mr. Smith's demented vision of gorgeousness was once beyond the thought process of the mainstream. Remember a few years ago when every movie critic heaped praise upon Charlize Theron for being "brave enough" to appear ugly in that movie "Monster". Van Smith was creating those same looks decades ago with a considerably smaller budget and a smarter vision.

People of this caliber are few and far between and his view of beauty and fashion cannot be replaced.

My Favorite Day

Only twelve days until my favorite day of the year...December 21st. From that day forward the days are going to get longer. Even though it is only be a matter of a few minutes of sunlight I cannot relate how excited that makes me.

I am so sick and tired of going to, and coming from work in pitch blackness.

Is it possible to have spring fever before winter even begins?

Me, Myself and Danny and Danny

There are no adjectives to describe how thoroughly awesome this party is going to be. Two undeniable legends behind the turntables.

Mr. Krivit can be expected to provide the deep, deep soulful sounds...combine that with Tenaglia's bottom heavy tech sound and the results are going to be dancefloor heaven.

More Real Than Reality

Last Sunday, with my sister and her friend in town, we went out to the Brooklyn Museum for this show . It was so totally awesome my mind is still reeling. Mr. Mueck's sculptures are so ridiculously detailed that it hurts my head to think about the length of time it takes to create them.

I am a sucker for any creative expression that can "mess with your head" and the scale of these sculptures certainly do that. From miniature humans to figures so large that it will make the viewer perceive themselves as a tiny child, these creations cover the spectrum.