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.