Girls, Girls, Girls!

Keep your eyes peeled for my interviews with Kazu Makino (Blonde Redhead) and Jenny Lindberg and Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint) in the next issue of VenusZine and on VenusZine.com. More details to come!

The Return of Red

So it's been a long long time, and for a while it seemed like .Big Hair, Small Hips. might have come to an end. But I think what I really needed was a long breather. Before my hiatus I had been blogging almost everyday for over a year. It didn't feel like I was out of ideas per se, but more like my ideas needed to fester in my mind for a few months before finally being unleashed. So I think their good and ready now.

In mid-October I had the pleasure of visiting London for the fifth time, but instead of roaming the streets like a clueless tourist I got an insider's look into the Big Smoke. My host was none other than ex-Tracer Phoebe Lovatt, a born and bred Londoner and in many ways a long lost sister. With her superpowers at my disposal my tour of London was unlike any of my previous visits. I saw the real London: a community of vibrant, creative, impassioned individuals from every background imaginable. I realized that New York City really is a city of foreigners, a city where everyone is clawing their way to the top. Londoners are just as ambitious as New Yorkers, but have a different connection to the city since it's more often than not their hometown. All that to say as an antsy New Yorker, walking the streets of London felt like a traipse through Candyland. Not one person exuded that anxious, go-go-go undercurrent that is felt in New York. It was as if I had stepped into a parallel dimension where impatience had been replaced with spirited understanding. And I liked it, a lot.

Now with that inspiration in mind, it's time to get my creative juices flowing once again.

Make A New Yorker Giggle...

And he'll be happy for an hour. Make a New Yorker laugh and he'll be happy for a lifetime! Improv Everywhere have the right idea...

Via Color Me Katie

Please & Thank You

Someone better tell the pants-less their days are numbered.

C'est Magnifique!

Take a peek at a great interview with Christina Hendricks in this weekend's L.A. Times Magazine. She also stars in the new Broken Bells video for 'The Ghost Inside,' playing an android instead of an office diva. Different setting same sass - you better believe it.

Practice Makes Perfect

In eighth grade, I thought I was the only one who watched Freaks and Geeks. I would come to school the next day after a new episode had aired, and my excitement would fall on deaf ears. At least now I know that I wasn't the only one living vicariously through these kids. I mean sure, I was in a band, but I wasn't lucky enough to have gone to high school with James Franco. Only in my dreams...

If I Was A Cartoon

I'd want to be Ms. Boop.

The Eye Of The Storm

My friends Jess & Andy (aka She Keeps Bees) are playing at the Northside Festival this weekend, but there's no need for a special festival badge since the show is free! Go check them out at Matchless on Saturday at 4pm. Don't miss out on this:

True Blizzity

Snoop Dogg might be my favorite person right now. We just have so much in common! His love for True Blood obviously rivals mine, and I'm thoroughly impressed. If this isn't an argument to watch the show, then I don't know what is. He references so many details from the show, and pays tribute to protagonist Sookie Stackhouse in this catchy little diddy. You have to see it to believe it:

California Lovin'

Katy Perry's got some major competition! I really think that this version of 'California Gurls' is far superior to the original. In my opinion, dropping references to LOST and Star Wars is just so much cooler than shooting whipped cream out of your brassiere.

Lights, Camera, Murder

There are some films that make such an impression, that they stick with us for the rest of our lives. Maybe it's the shock of witnessing a groundbreaking style, or the excitement of meeting unforgettable characters that seduces us as viewers. Whatever it is, something about Michelangelo Antonioni's Blow Up is addictive even upon a first viewing. Of course the Mod elements of the film are enrapturing, but it's the subtle way in which mystery, suspense and sexuality are interwoven into the story that really inspires me. Great storytelling comes in many forms, but it's always eye-opening to look at the documentation of new and innovative ways to tell those stories. Even though Blow Up was released in 1966 it's still fresh and evocative, in more ways than one. I can't deny that this Yardbirds scene is eerily reminiscent of some Brooklyn shows I've been to. I guess some things never change.

Boys Ain't Nothing But Trouble

Women are constantly wondering: what are men really thinking? I've been told time and time again, that there are limited answers to that truly vexing question. Some of the answers are easily figured out. They are of course, women and the many ways to woo them. The Black Keys illustrate this point perfectly in the video for 'Tighten Up,' their ridiculously catchy summer single. The whole album, aptly titled Brothers, is perfect for the beach... or as the soundtrack to your very own 2010 version of Grease. Either one would work. Check it out:

Get Schooled

The season of the Zombie is upon us! Move over Vamps - it's time to slow down, tune out and eat some brains.

Snacks Is Famous

And soon Best Coast will be too. Cannot wait for their record to finally come out July 27th! With an album cover like that you just can't go wrong.

For The Love of Food

Anthony Bourdain is a straight shooter. His first book Kitchen Confidential recounted his downtown adventures and missteps as a cook in pre-Giuliani New York. In his sophomore book, Medium Raw (hitting shelves tomorrow), Bourdain doesn't shy away from the honesty and attitude that has made him a culinary rock star. When a man can eat poop shoot and live to tell the tale while seated in a lovely trattoria alongside Mario Batali, you know he can do no wrong. He's even dined with Bill Murray - and we all know how difficult Mr. Murry can be. They're like two peas in a sarcastic, curmudgeony pod. So go get Bourdain's new book, and maybe next time when you're out to eat you'll take a leap of faith and finally realize what you've been missing.

"I've long believed that good food, good eating, is all about risk. Whether we're talking about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime 'associates,' food, for me, has always been an adventure." - Anthony Bourdain

Have You Heard?

Janelle Monae has been on my radar for a few years now, thanks to TRACE's preemptive obsession with her. She really is the whole package - beautiful, talented, opinionated, and definitely not the typical pop princess. Her new record Archandroid delves into so many different genres it would be unfair to categorize it as a hip hop/r & b record. The album reflects Monae's aesthetic perfectly. A little glam, a little soul, and a whole lot of attitude. I'm loving the latest video for her single 'Tightrope' featuring none other than ATL's Big Boi. Gotta love that fancy footwork!

Four-Eyes Are Better Than Two

If you're looking for the perfect pair of glasses then look no further. My friends Jordan and Erik over at Silver Lining Opticians are NYC's most successful glasses gurus. I kid you not. They have the uncanny ability to look at your face and instantly know exactly what will fit. It probably helps that they have an unbelievable collection of both vintage deadstock and contemporary independent brands, but I like to think that their powers are more mystical than that. Even with the onslaught of celebrity visits to their Soho shop, they still have the time and patience to match you with your perfect pair of lenses. Take a peek at Jordan talking shop, and at some of Silver Lining's coveted pieces:

Design Within Reach (No, Really!)

No one really likes spring cleaning, but sometimes a newly discovered item can jump start the process. This may not be the most affordable way to organize the many things that clutter your desk, but it sure does look pretty. I like the idea of organizing smaller tools and everyday items without having to hide them away in a drawer. Everything has it's special place in the Uten.Silo, and the requisite 'junk drawer' ceases to exist. Designed in the late 1960s as plastic became increasingly popular, the Uten.Silo was both playful and utilitarian - a household item that emanates both style and a sense of humor. Thankfully it's been reissued by the Vitra Design Museum in Germany, and although it'll cost you a pretty penny it's definitely an item that lasts a lifetime.

A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream

R.I.P. Dennis Hopper

Born To Be Bad

Via EV Grieve

For The Love of Food

Besides being the third President of the United States and a snazzy dresser (love that coat!) Thomas Jefferson may have been one of the first 'foodies' to sit in the White House. I'm not a fan of the term, but what better way to describe a President who kept a concrete lined pond for fresh eels, and "supervised the growing of 170 varieties of fruit and 330 of vegetables, planting 27 varieties of kidney bean alone." Check out who else made the list of America's 5 Greatest Foodie Presidents in this week's Village Voice.

This Is The End

After the disappointment of the finale, I have to admit that I was angry. I didn't think that the episode was awful, but my mind swiftly dismissed any emotional satisfaction replacing it with resentment. The time I've spent mulling over theories with co-workers and friends seems to have been in vain. We didn't even get one solid answer. Although a small minority enjoyed the way the series ended (and in turn have produced some compelling recaps), I'm glad the guys at College Humor seem to feel the same way I do. At least I had my Dharma beers to help dull the pain.

Sweet Sweet Sawyer

By the time I write my post for Monday, the final episode of LOST will have aired, and I will be in the grips of a deep depression. My LOST withdrawal will most likely take two forms: theory discussion withdrawal, and hot man withdrawal. In preparation for that depression, New York Magazine conveniently created this video showcasing the glorious bodies of our beloved LOST men. Seriously - best idea ever! Now it's time to sit back and drink it all in:

Via New York Magazine

Puppy Love

Those girls don't even know what hit them!

Tomorrow Comes Today

I'm obviously an animal person, but living in New York the only animals I get to see on a day-to-day basis are flying rats and canines. New Yorkers might think they have it all, but what we lack is a tangible link to nature. Sure, we may have the occasional coyote in Central Park, but that's nothing compared to what's really roaming out there. Photographer Joel Sartore knows all about the great beyond. As a National Geographic Magazine contributor, he spends his days capturing a huge range of creatures from across the globe. For his most recent book, Rare, he focused on documenting America's endangered species and the results are astounding. Click here to find out how you can help, and watch this for a sneak peek of what you'll find in the book:

Via Flavorwire

Pie So Good It's A Crime

Cherry pie, coffee, mystery, murder, lust... hip hop? Yes! Behold Twin Peaks in a whole new light, performed by MC Chris and accompanied by remixed footage from the series. The Log Lady seems pleased, and I have a feeling that Agent Dale Cooper would tap his toes to this beat.

Bright Lights, Big City

I spent the weekend in upstate New York celebrating my younger brother's graduation (Go Benjamin!) and even though I was only away from the city for two days it felt like an eternity. There's something about the pace, the sounds, the smells, that makes you feel that while you're not here you're definitely missing out on something. So I'm relieved to be back in the thick of it, and I'm newly aware of how great my neighborhood is. The East Village still has a connection to Old New York, or at least that gritty, bohemian, New York of my dreams. Check out this great video BUST shot in the EV, featuring one of our neighborhood's characters: Ms. Chloë Sevigny.

All Is Love

"If you are lonely or bone-tired or blue, you need only come down from your perch and step outside. New York — which is to say, New Yorkers — will take care of you." - Bill Hayes for the New York Times.

The Video Vault

There once was a time when mainstream music was chock full of 'boys being boys.' Even the bands that teen dreams were made of were messy, dark, and moody. In 2010 we're faced with squeaky clean Biebers, and fauxhemian Cyruses. So what changed? Sure rock music is no longer the rage for the younger set, but it can't just be that... can it? I long for the days when kids listened to music that begged for introspection, and not just a hip shake. Silverchair were only 15 years old when they recorded their first record, Frogstomp, and yet the album touches on the same themes and emotions explored by musicians that could have babysat them. Surely you see the crisis brewing. Is it possible that teens these days are doomed to a life sans rock?

Les Clichés Sont Conservés

Yesterday I visited the Affordable Art Fair, and fell in love with the work of British artist and writer Charlotte Cory. For some reason I have a thing for these kinds of dark pieces, perhaps because they still emote a sense of humor. Cory takes Victorian calling cards which are often discarded and found in junk shops throughout Europe, and digitally combines them with images of stuffed museum animals. Both elements have been long forgotten, and were initially produced for humanity's vapid enjoyment. In the artist's own words, her inspiration came to her suddenly and without warning: "Why not recycle the dispossessed pictures and long dead creatures. Grant them all a new lease of life. Better, more colorful, more deserving than before." I just ordered a book of her work entitled "The Visitors," and I can't wait for it to arrive on my doorstep. There are so many melancholic hybrids I have yet to meet.

Giggles Meet Glamour

True Romance

This was a hard week for LOST fans. A collective "Nooooooo!" was heard across the blogosphere, so I was surprised to find this ridiculously silly video courtesy of ABC and the Cuse/Lindelof camp. I don't really get why the Muppets were necessary, but I guess I should stop asking for answers at this point. Regardless, it's worth taking a peek at, if only to dull the pain of our loss.

I Want To Go To There

Another genius idea from the Japanese: Cat Cafés. Since 2008 a handful of these establishments have popped up in Tokyo, welcoming locals and tourists alike. Let's face it, cats get a bad rap because they have the reputation of being indifferent, antisocial or downright mean. These cat chill zones are a great way to combat those stereotypes. Who wouldn't want to take a quick snuggle with one of these little guys?

Via Sea of Shoes

Blodtörstiga

For the past two years I've received a little birthday gift from author Charlaine Harris: a new Sookie Stackhouse novel! I'm really excited to pick up Dead In The Family, which was released yesterday, and thankfully True Blood's season premiere is just around the corner. HBO's teasers are the perfect way to get revved up, but with only four more minisodes before the June 13th premiere, I'm going to have to find another way to satisfy my hunger. I suppose those other Cold Ones will have to do.

Design Within Reach (No, Really!)

New York Magazine has a great feature this week about home design, and the growing trend of "the new old." I've always preferred a mixture of old and new when it comes to my surroundings, and it's interesting to see how other people experiment with this particular aesthetic. There's the "NeoVictorians" who obsess over late 1800s, and the clean, airy spaces of those who prefer "NeoCountry." Any way you slice it, these people love interior design, and that love is found in the details of their homes. So flip through some of the slide shows, and feast your eyes on some major inspiration.

Via New York Magazine
Photograph by The Selby

And This Is Why I Love New York

Two Peas In A Pod

I've been meaning to blog about this for a week now, so I figured I'd stop hoarding all the comedy and start spreading the laughter. You're probably familiar with Kristen Schaal from her role as Mel on Flight of the Conchords, but Schaal was pretty well known on the NYC stand up comedy circuit before she hit the boob tube. As 'Kurt and Kristen,' Schaal and her buddy Kurt Braunohler produced some pretty ridiculous sketches. Now they've crossed the pond and will be gracing England's Channel 4 with their brainchild Penelope Princess of Pets. What really put the icing on the cake for me, is an additional character played by The Mighty Boosh's Julian Barratt. As sad as I am that the show wasn't picked up by an American network, I'm excited to hear how it's received overseas. Now I just have to find a way to see the episodes. Internet don't fail me now!

A Galloping Baby Boy

He's teeny, he's tiny, and his name is Einstein. Bask in his mighty glory!

Old New York Returns!

The above image was captured on Hester Street in the late 1800s. The old New York it embodies is full of excitement and unpredictability. So many things were evolving in the city, but there were always a few standards you could count on, like the Hester Street Fair. What started in 1895 in the Lower East Side, became a gathering place for immigrants, and served as a place for fish mongers to sell their catch. Flashforward to April 2010 and the Hester Street Fair has resurfaced, but with a modern twist. Instead of finding basic goods, the fair is now offering everything from food to clothing, and once again aims to create a communal space for local vendors. Tomorrow marks it's grand opening, and you can find the fair every weekend rain or shine. So make your way down to the LES to sink your teeth into one of Luke's Lobster rolls, or Sigmund's original pretzels!

Shall We Dance?

What happens when you ask Conan to prom? Find out here.

Same As It Ever Was

Although I read about the Uniform Project when it first launched almost a year ago, I haven't been diligent about checking back with Sheena's progress. Now that the project is almost over, it's incredible to see how much money she's raised for the Akanksha foundation. The concept was simple, since May 2009 Sheena's been wearing the same dress as an "exercise in sustainable fashion," and as a tool to raise money for education in India. Read all about it on her site, and watch this adorable video explaining the project:

For The Love of Food

New York City's cupcake boom may be over, but cravings still abound. I eat a cupcake maybe once or twice a year, but when I do I'm overwhelmed by just how satisfying eating a tiny cake really is. However, I do have to take into account the mess factor, as I often feel like I'm inhaling the delicacy in anticipation of the infamous cupcake crumble. All crumbs, no fun. Jorge Garcia, better known as Hurley from LOST, may have just resolved my major issue with these dainty cakes. So what's the best way to get a perfect ratio of cake to frosting, and how can you do it without making a complete mess? Garcia provides the answer, along with a helpful shot by shot demonstration of the technique, on his blog Dispatches from the Island. Dude knows his cakes.

Why Don't You Do Right?

Is that really you Christina? You look hot as hell but not quite like yourself. I think the fellas over at Esquire may have done some tweaking, because you're looking suspiciously like a curly haired Jessica Rabbit. Not that I'm complaining. I've been reenacting the following scene since I first saw Who Framed Roger Rabbit when I was little. I even had Ms. Rabbit stickers, and an awesome WFRR poster on my bedroom wall. Those redheads get me every time.

It's A Man's World

In Stitches

Few partnerships require the cooperation and selflessness needed to form a successful comedy duo. It's the ultimate yin and yang; a stage set to showcase malleability, and an ability to play off of each other. David Mitchell and Robert Webb have it down pat. Sketch comedy classic That Mitchell & Webb Look, and first person camera series Peep Show are finally making their way back to BBC America tonight, and I couldn't be happier. Apparently I'm not the only one, as New York Magazine interviewed one half of the "crass and clever duo" today in anticipation of the premieres. And let the British invasion continue...

So Many Girls, So Few Princes

There’s always been a rivalry between the East and West Coasts, but lately I’ve wondered if I’ve been shutting my musical blinders to the outside world out of pure loyalty. New Yorkers can admit that NYC’s music “scene” is in a constant state of flux, like so many epicenters where musicians outnumber accountants. That said, in the past few months I’ve noticed a definitive shift in my musical predilections, and that shift has taken me almost exclusively to the sunny coast, the crunchy-granola coast - the Best Coast. But don’t judge me spiteful New Yorkers, you know my heart will forever be found in the gutters of our beloved city. Even though Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno have yet to release their first full length record as Best Coast, their EPs have turned me into a veritable super fan. Their music is heavy and fuzzed out, but Cosentino’s vocals and lyrics hint at a romanticism and innocence that’s been all but banished from female fronted rock acts. Our rock stars have to keep up with their male counterparts, and because of that we assume that aggression and ferocity are necessary to pump out a classic track. Best Coast prove that being boy-crazy, introspective and a little silly doesn’t mean you can’t shred.

The Thin Red Line

The Bigger, The Better

Well, well, well. It seems as though my signature look is making it's way into the mainstream. It's not like I was ever re-inventing the hair wheel, but I liked to think that my obsession with big hair was only reflected in rock stars, geriatrics, and retro chicks. Now high fashion is honing in on the fine tooth comb that makes it all possible, unless of course you're one of the lazy ones who opts for a Bump It. For shame! We all know that backcombing, a little root booster, and some Goth Juice does the trick. I refuse to let my hair go flat, but I guess now I have some competition based on this New York Times slideshow. I still think I could beat those broads in a tease off - they're no match for my finely honed skills!

Blood Brothers

Both Quentin Tarantino and the Cohen brothers have created films that span genres, and stoke controversy. Their films are character and dialogue driven, and usually peppered with sex and violence. Though often bloody creations, both Tarantino and the Cohen brothers explore thematic elements that dig deeper into the human experience. But sometimes you push that aside to sit back and watch the chaos unfold. Leandro Braga did just that when he spent thirteen days watching Tarantino and Cohen brothers films. He's collected 500 scenes in the following clip - now that's what I call a cinephile!

Via New York Magazine

Down The Hatch

The days of drinking at the office are long over, but that's not to say that things can't get a little crazy after hours. Office parties are always a great idea in theory, but the consequences of mixing alcohol and professionalism (or lack thereof) can lead to some awkward situations. Regardless, these communal drink-offs often end up turning into great moments of unity and bonding. It's pretty much guaranteed that if you put some beers, tunes, and co-workers together, you'll get one hell of a karaoke party. An internal video leaked today from the set of Mad Men, and in it we get a glimpse of cast and crew throwing a couple back while bidding adieu to the third season. It's great to see some of the cast out of character, and even better to see Peggy texting and Roger in a wig. Enjoy!

Via New York Magazine

A Meow Massages The Heart

Another "Why didn't I think of that?!" moment: Cute Boys With Cats.

Have You Heard?

Spring is almost upon us, and with that comes the search for the perfect summer soundtrack. Sometimes you have to go looking for music that makes your heart swell, but sometimes you're lucky and the music finds you. There are so many young musicians out there trying to make the perfect record, but very few of them have what it takes to succeed. It's not that they aren't trying, often times they try too hard. And then there are those few, those musicians by happenstance, that find their calling through song. Christopher Owens of San Fransisco band Girls is one of those people. His story is so far fetched, so chaotic and poetic, that it could easily be the plot for a Russell Banks novel. Born into the Children of God cult, Owens was shielded from music and the outside world until his teenage years. His story is best told through his own words, and this interview tells it best. But regardless, you really don't need to know about Owens to like Girls. Their influences range from Buddy Holly and Elvis, to the Beach Boys and Nirvana. It's all there in a whirlwind of sun, hair, and above all: love.

For The Love of Food

There's been a lot of talk about New York City cuisine's return to comfort food classics. Whether it's because of the poor economy, or actually some poetic return to the past, it's nice to eat things that make you feel young. Take the cookies at David Chang and Christina Tosi's Momofuku Milk Bar: they're buttery and completely decadent. They transport you to a time when cookies were analogous with caviar, and calories were inconceivable. The 10 year old in you just can't resist their "Compost Cookie" that's packed with pretzels, potato chips, coffee, oats, butterscotch, and chocolate chips. Take a trip back and try out the recipe here.

Mad About Edie

Andy Warhol's first book of photos, Andy Warhol's Exposures, was published in 1979, and of course many of the images that he initially wanted to include in it didn't make the cut. Thankfully the rejects have made it into a second book, Andy Warhol Unexposed Exposures. The images are currently on view at New York City's Steven Kasher Gallery until April 10th. The show looks like a real gem, and as Edie would say: "I'm pulverized by this latest thing!"

Andy Warhol, Edie Beale, ca. 1976-79. © The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. Courtesy Steven Kasher Gallery, New York

Via Flavorwire

Bad Romance

There are an endless amount of films that explore the relationships between men and women, but until the late 1960s it was rare to encounter a couple like Bonnie and Clyde. Young and rebellious, they acted out of desperation and recklessness. After all, it was the Great Depression and there were only so many ways to make a buck. They were both in their early 20s when they were killed in the infamous rural ambush, brutally memorialized in Arthur Penn's 1967 classic Bonnie & Clyde. Although many theories and controversies still surround their lives and their demise, they will forever hold their place in the annals of Americana. They were, after all, love addled outlaws - romanticized, demonized and forever scrutinized.

The real Bonnie & Clyde in March 1933.