Hello, I'm Johnny Cash.

Today is Johnny Cash's birthday. He would have been 78 years old. In celebration of his music and the man himself, Flavorwire compiled a list of "78 Things You Didn't Know About Johnny Cash." The results are pretty amazing, but my favorite was witnessing The Man In Black impersonate The King. Long live rock 'n roll!

The Video Vault: Teen Crush Edition

I fell in love with Gavin Rossdale in 1996 when I was 14 years old. He was the first man I cried over, the first one to make me feel all fizzy and nervous inside even though I knew we would never meet. There's something intangible about your first crush - the innocence that is lost when you realize you would give anything just to see your own reflection in another person's eyes. And obviously make out with them... but that's a given. My love for Rossdale was so fiery, so uncontrollable, so wild, that I can still remember the moment I picked up a copy of Rolling Stone (pictured above) only to come home and paste it on my wall. He was staring at me - I was staring back at him. Almost perfect. The video below was taken during Bush's performance at Woodstock 99, and features a shirtless, wet, yelping Rossdale singing their (still) heartbreaking single 'Glycerine'. It makes me shiver with delight even after all these years.

For The Love of Food

Every city has a culinary history, and a particular dish that is so revered and beloved that merely recognizing a competitor's version is blasphemous. That's the case when it comes to the debate between Montréal bagels, and those found to the south of our borders. The two are completely different animals, but for some reason when the lines are drawn there's no turning back. I for one have always been shamed for my love of both the Canadian and American bagel, but I refuse to pick sides. From texture, to density and flavor, these two famous varieties couldn't be any more different. Montréal bagels are sweeter and chewier, while American bagels have always seemed more bread-like to me, in both consistency and flavor. What can I say - I love them both and ain't nobody goin' to stop me! With that in mind, I was incredibly excited when New York Magazine announced that the recently opened Mile End Deli was literally schlepping Montréal bagels overnight to sell on Saturday morning in Brooklyn. Now that's what I call commitment. I can finally utter the phrase I've been waiting so long to say: "There's nothing like a St-Viateur bagel on a snowy Brooklyn morning..."

Fancy Fingerwork

By now you've probably realized the extent of my nail art obsession, and like many young Japanese women, my nails have become an extension of my self expression. Most people slip on seasonal accessories; my accessories are a little more permanent, but reflect of-the-moment accoutrements from plaid to bows. Unfortunately not everyone has a penchant for nail art, and although the practice is extremely popular in Japan, its still far from the norm. The ladies of Japan's synchronized swimming team are quickly learning that according to some Olympic officials, nail art has a time and a place. Yesterday Reuters reported that members of Japan's synchronized swimming and diving disciplines, will be banned from having "dyed hair, elaborately painted nails or pierced ears." The rules were put into effect after officials declared that the athletes looked more like rock stars than swimmers. I understand why divers should have to follow these rules, since I imagine that dangling chains and built-out acrylic kittens on nails would most likely affect their performance and speed in the water... but what's so wrong with a little finger pizazz to compliment some sweet synchronized moves?

Via Jezebel

What Dreams May Come

My friend Mike D is a genius for showing me this blog: Sleep Talkin' Man just made my week, hell, probably my month! Unbelievable!

So Hip It Hurts

Opening Ceremony is one of those New York City stores that's great to "fantasy browse" in, because it's so completely out of my price range, and most of their inventory caters to toothpicks. Sure, they have a great collection of independent designers, but my wallet's looking for items that are a little easier to swallow. That said, Opening Ceremony's cool factor is unparalleled when it comes to downtown boutiques, and a big part of that has to do with the celebrity affiliations it garners. Their design collaboration with Chloë Sevigny has proven to be quite popular, and they were one of the first U.S. stores to carry Top Shop. Now it looks like Jason Schwartzman and Kirsten Dunst have joined the fray with this short film by his cousin, Gia Coppola, which showcases clothing from the store. The film also features music by Schwartzman's band Coconut Records. Ah to be young, wealthy, and famous...

Keepin' It Raaaaaaaandy!

So I guess this means that the Raaaaaaaandy and Dave Sitek mixtape is being postponed... typical.

Matte Is Back

New York Fashion Week is almost over so you know that means the media has worked itself into a tizzy trying to identify the hottest upcoming trends. Fashion definitely plays an important role in my life and identity, but I've always stuck to my instinct as opposed to following trends. Every so often however, an obscure look or item I love finds its way into the mega watt world of Fashion (with a capital F). My latest obsession, matte nail polish, was seen all over the runways this week. From DKNY to Malandrino, matte nails trotted down the runway in style. And there's obviously a reason why. Depending on the color you choose your nails can look like candy buttons, or a pimped out SUV - the looks are really endless! Make up artist Mike Potter's Knock Out Cosmetics is the leader of the pack with this trend, and KO's colors are ever so divine. So stretch out your paws and get ready to (not) shine!

Think With Your Head

Gabriel Orozco's "Black Kites"
Check out the rest of his work at the Museum of Modern Art before March 1, 2010.

The First Lady of Rockabilly

Where would we be without rockabilly? As one of the earliest forms of rock 'n roll to emerge in the 1950s, rockabilly allowed mainstream audiences to get a 'lil taste for the outlaw. Sure there were already manly country outlaws like Cash, but rockabilly was something wholly different that opened up the stage to some saucy ladies. Two parts rock 'n roll and one part hillbilly, rockabilly was all the more memorable (and addictive). Wanda Jackson was just a country girl from Oklahoma, but after performing with Elvis on many occasions, she garnered a lot of attention for her unique vocals and style. She was "the female Elvis," according to the man himself, and that's quite a moniker for a woman in the 50s. Sassy, brash, and glamorous all at once, Jackson's music will whip any respectable lady into a frenzy. Her songs 'Hot Dog! That Made Him Mad' and 'Funnel of Love' make me want to smooth on some red lipstick and get into some good ole trouble. Yeehaw!

Where's Snooki?

Via Cityrag

No Glove, No Love

I'm loving the new Cyndi Lauper & Lady Gaga campaign for MAC because it's not just about glitz and glamour, it's about AIDS awareness. As with all Viva Glam products, every cent raised goes to the MAC AIDS Fund to support the fight against HIV/AIDS. Watch the lovely ladies chat about the campaign on Good Morning America:

Almost As Fun As Drowning

The time has come! It's taken them forever, but Paramount Home Entertainment finally announced yesterday that Daria The Complete Animated Series is coming to DVD on May 11, 2010! All five seasons plus the two movies; god my heart just stopped. And the release date is just in time for my birthday, which means I'll either be hasty and buy it as a gift for myself, or I'll let someone else get it for me and then proceed to slather them with love. Hope they're prepared for that. I haven't been this excited for a new release since the last Mystik Spiral record came out!

Hello, I'm Jerri Blank.

Sometimes when I'm feeling down I just pop in a Strangers With Candy DVD and let my cares just slip away. There's nothing like a little Jerri Blank to turn my frown upside down. Amy Sedaris' work absolute is genius, with her contorted face and Comfort Zone outfits, and with the addition of supporting characters played by Stephen Colbert and Paul Dinello you've got a classic comedic gem that stands the test of time. I truly judge people based on whether or not they like this show - it is perhaps for some an acquired taste, but once devoured let the cravings begin.

Have You Heard?

Young? Check. Flannel-clad? Check. Dorky yet incredibly endearing? Check. Ok, so Florida's Surfer Blood may be the new kids on the block, but that doesn't mean they can't rock the socks off of us old foggies. Since I listened to their self titled record a few weeks back, I have not been able to take it out of rotation. I listen to it at least once a day, and in many different situations. Whether I'm riding the subway, folding laundry, rocking out in my apartment, or cooking, this record has not lost its initial appeal. Part Beach Boys, part early 90s independent rock, its the band's intricate guitar work and catchy melodies that has turned me into a total addict. Their first music video the single 'Swim' premiered on Pitchfork this week, and yet fans continue to make basic YouTube videos just so we can all access these lil' gems. The video below is for one of my favorite tracks off the record 'Take It Easy,' and the bass line alone could keep my interest for hours. Can't wait to see them in Brooklyn later this month. Oh you silly, talented, amazing kids.

That's Money, Honey

Craig Gleason makes these amazing (yet possibly illegal) Gaga dollars. His blog is totally bonkers, and full of his strange illustrations - think Ren & Stimpy goes phallic... very phallic. Visit his blog but know that if you're a prude (read: lame) you may be offended.

An Urban Dictionary

I've never been a fan of Will & Grace, but I always thought there was something truly genius about Megan Mullally's character 'Karen'. Apparently Mullally is really good at playing whacked out female leads, and after watching this Funny or Die clip you'll agree with me that she really is a pro. Tom Lennon (The State, Reno 911) also contributes his own brand of humor to the sketch, but it's Mullally's horned-up-foul-mouthed 'Kim' that steals the show. How they came up with the idea for the piece is beyond me, but I should know by now to never question comedic brilliance. Enjoy!

Smokey's Pissed!

For The Love of Food

There are some foods that are embedded in our minds and hearts, because they trigger memories of carefree childhoods and family gatherings. The memories are triggered through the sounds and smells of a dish - the flavor that was once delicious and comforting, has become loaded with countless meanings. All this to say that authentic Venezuelan food takes me back to my grandmother's kitchen, watching her unwrap hallacas, and slice through thick fudge-like dulce de leche. Thankfully I don't have to travel all the way to Venezuela to get a taste of the past, since a Venezuelan restaurant just happened to pop up on my corner in December. I was so excited to see that the long abandoned space was finally getting a makeover, and completely floored to find that the menu posted in its front window was chock full of Venezuelan treats from my childhood! Guayoyo has everything you could ever want from an authentic Venezuelan culinary experience: fresh tasty homemade food, excellent music, affordable prices, and a helpful waitstaff willing to enlighten and educate even the most timid patron. This place is for real. After my first bite I knew I was home... or at least around the corner.

Pictured above the carne mechada and camarones arepas from Guayoyo; photography by Natalia Moena.