A City That Breathes

After baring witness to Jonte's unbelievable performance last night at Santos Party House there is no doubt in my mind that New York City is still the place for up and coming musicians. The talent that surrounds choreographer/musician/artist Jonte' is overflowing - the passion that is seen in his performance is riveting. It's always inspiring to see talented people join forces, and Jonte's crew is a perfect example of that. From the costumes, to the choreography, you can tell that details reign supreme. Just like Gaga, Jonte' is the whole package - and the some. I cannot wait to see what 2010 will bring for this dashing talent. Check out the latest video for his latest single "Ya Who!" which already has Japanese audiences screaming for more:

Party In The Front, Business In The Litter Box

Via Dlisted

What Came First?

The fashion editor, or the fashionable mother? I vote for the latter!

A Very Dizzy Sunday

In the bubbly spirit of social media, I attended a fantastic brunch this Sunday organized by fellow TRACE alum and elixir vixen Miss Selena from The Dizzy Fizz. Although the brunch focused on cocktail culture, and I was the only "lifestyle blogger" there, I have to admit everyone made me feel right at home! Held in the backroom of Brooklyn's Clover Club, the vibe was energetic, cozy and fun. Not only were we served a delicious brunch, but there were representatives from both Sombra Mezcal and Partida Tequila on hand to answer questions and introduce us to the wide world of agave. What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon! The revival of old school cocktails, and the popularity of cocktail culture means I have a lot to learn. But thanks to The Dizzy Fizz and her blogger buddies, I'm confident that I have a great network of teachers - and that's something I can toast to!

Photographs courtesy of Lush Life Productions

The Final Countdown

It's really happening people! The final season of LOST is only a week away, so of course in anticipation, I'm in major geek mode. Fingers crossed for the season premiere to blow my mind... I hope to end the evening with a Dharma beer in my hand, and a smile on my face. Regardless of its outcome, it's nice to look back on how all this LOSTiness began. It was that first critical event that made all the pieces come together: the now infamous crash of flight 815. A devoted fan created this multiple POV montage of the crash, that seamlessly links every character's perspective. It's really jarring to see it all sewn together so neatly, and it's a great way to kick off the new season!

Via io9

Beard Alive!

I love a good beard. That is all. TGIF!

Via Jezebel

Rogue Warrior

One of my favorite directors, the enigmatic Werner Herzog, has graced the pages of this blog before, but never through the form of a first person narrative. The narrative came about with the announcement of his first ever film school, Werner Herzog's Rogue Film School (quite a perfect title for a director who has battled the deadly terrain of the Amazon and Alaska, to name a few). It's homepage sums up the school's mission in Herzog's own words:

"The Rogue Film School is not for the faint-hearted; it is for those who have traveled on foot, who have worked as bouncers in sex clubs or wardens in a lunatic asylum, for those who are willing to learn about lock picking or forging shooting permits in countries not favoring their projects. In short: for those who have a sense of poetry. For those who have a fire burning within. For those who have a dream."

So naturally a writer over at Flavorwire decided to enroll in the school... but when he didn't have the cash to pay for it he just "Herzog-ed" it. Check out the full story here.

The Mystery Of The Mind

Brooklyn band Grizzly Bear has made quite a name for themselves since they released their first record in 2006, and their latest video is sure to excite fans and new listeners alike. The video for "Ready, Able" off their 2008 record Veckatimest is directed by artist Allison Schulnik, and features her intense claymation creations. I'm not sure how to even describe these creatures, but the words "creepy" and "haunting" come to mind. Just take a look:

For The Love of Food

I am obsessed with gourds. I cannot get enough. Every time I see squash or pumpkin on a menu I can't help but order it. And when all I want is something warm and comforting, after a long day at the office and a cold journey home, gourds are on my brain. My latest discovery is the magical spaghetti squash. It's a tough one to wrangle (since it's strong and resistant like a pumpkin), but once it emerges from the oven it's well worth the work. The best way to trick your body into loving a healthy, vegetarian, low calorie, high fiber meal is to make my Spaghetti Squash Puttanesca - trust me on this one. As an added bonus, it also satisfies the need for a warm home-cooked meal in the dead of winter, without packing on hibernation pounds. I could seriously eat this all winter!

Ingredients:
1 spaghetti squash, cut in half, seeds removed
5 medium sized tomatoes, chopped
1/2 red onion, sliced thin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
Kalamata olives, chopped
1 tablespoon capers
3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375. Rub both sides of the cut butternut squash with one tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Place squash flesh side down on to baking sheet. Put in oven for approximately 15-20 minutes depending on size of squash; when it's done you should be able to puncture the skin easily with a knife.

While the squash is cooking, sautee the onions on medium heat with remaining oil until soft and slightly browned. Add the fresh chopped tomatoes making sure to add any juice that may have escaped during prep. Add the kalamata olives (I like a lot, other don't so I'll leave the amount to your discretion) and capers. Let this simmer for about 15 minutes so the tomatoes soften and the sauce begins to thicken. When the sauce looks almost done, add the fresh chopped oregano and garlic. Let the sauce sit at low heat while you deal with the squash.

Remove the squash from the oven and let cool slightly. Once you can comfortably handle the heat of the squash removed the flesh by scraping the gourd with a fork horizontally - if properly cooked this should be very easy as the squash "spaghetti" will fall away from the shell.

Plate the "spaghetti" and then spoon the puttanesca sauce on top, adding a little parmesan cheese if desired.

A Woman's Scorn...

New York Times mega-fail!

The Video Vault

After seeing the francophilic new film Youth In Revolt last weekend, I started thinking about all the French stereotypes that have made their way into North America. The most common would surely be the suave, effortlessly cool man, and the coquettish lady that spends her time reading Camus and Sartre. But we fail to remember that like most countries that boast their uniqueness, the French are also guilty of finding inspiration in others. Case in point singer, composer and actor Jacques Dutronc. His song "Les Cactus" is featured in Youth In Revolt and is totally full of kitschy, Kinks-inspired fun. Check out the video to see some French stereotypes in action:

Design Within Reach (No, Really!)

Most pet owners treat their animals like children. Don't deny it - you know it's true. From training them, disciplining them, feeding them, and loving them, the average North American pet owner spoils their fuzzballs more than they spoil themselves. I like the idea of investing in a pet accessory that isn't sore on the eyes, or the wallet. Something that doesn't scream Petco or Petsmart; something that's just as stylish as the rest of your apartment. Of course Etsy has the perfect solution, with these great re-purposed vintage suitcase pet beds. The legs are also made from resalvaged chairs and table legs, and painted to match the handmade pillow inserts. There's no denying that your pet will be sleeping in style with this little number.

It's All In The Hair

If I am as amazing as Margaret Bold when I'm old, I'll be one lucky lady!

Stand By Your Man

I've loved Conan since I was fourteen, and was incredibly saddened to get the inside scoop on how he's been treated by NBC via his poignant letter released today. The letter is addressed to the "People of Earth," and that alone was enough to make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. NBC has another thing coming if they think they can just let go of an immense talent like Conan without having any regrets. Let's hope we haven't seen the last of Mr. O'Brien. I really can't express in words how much laughter, and happiness he's brought to my life through his unique brand of humor. I'm lucky enough to say that I got the chance to see Late Night before Conan made the move to L.A. and the 14 year old inside me was so jazzed that it hurt. I just wish I had seen this show:

What other grown man would ever try his hand at this? And this is why Conan is a genius. Well this and the string dance.

Image courtesy of Mike Mitchell.

Growing Up Is Hard To Do

Growing up, I was never a complete dork, but I was also never one of the "cool kids" because I cared too much about school work and pleasing my parents. I dubbed myself "a floater" somewhere between 6th and 8th grade, and even through college and into my adult life the label has stuck. I pride myself on being friends with all sorts of people, and I love surrounding myself with interesting people from all walks of life whether they're complete extroverts or painful introverts. But during those awkward adolescent years, I think we're all lucky if we find something to grab hold of. Whether it's sports, music, or good friends having a social outlet to preoccupy the mind is incredibly important when it's constantly gravitating towards insecure thoughts. Case in point, the amazing kids who made this ode to Gaga with their own version of "Bad Romance". You can tell they are having the time of their lives, and it just doesn't matter what anybody thinks. In the words of Gaga herself: "Holy shit!"

Via Jezebel

Just When You Thought Libraries Were Uncool...

NYU's Fales Library which holds a number of special collections, is currently working on beefing up their newly announced Riot Grrrrl Collection with the "papers" of Bikini Kill lead singer and noted feminist Kathleen Hanna. First of all, I can't believe there's a Riot Grrrrl Collection! That is probably the coolest thing academia has done in a while. Second, the fact that there will now be a part of that collection dubbed "The Kathleen Hanna Papers" made up of her zines, correspondences, and other Bikini Kill era tidbits is totally amazing. Most pop culture junkies agree that Bikini Kill was instrumental in creating the third wave feminist post-hardcore movement, and Hanna is still doing it (albeit more accessibly) with her band Le Tigre. I just might have to dust off my library card and make a trip to the stacks!

Via The L Magazine

Cat Man

Have You Heard?

I can't believe it's taken me this long to blog about my dear college friend Benoit Pioulard. Sure, when his first record came out I made the bold move of approaching a senior editor at SPIN (where I was a lowly intern) to pitch a story to him, but that was years ago. Now with two full length records under his belt and another hopefully on the way, Mr. Meluch aka Benoit Pioulard has been making waves in the underground music scene on all his own. Both Précis and Temper are beautiful examples of his meticulous song writing, and haunting melodies. I just hope he decides to test out new material on my ears, like he did in college. I'll be waiting patiently. Below is the video for "Ragged Tint" off of his sophomore release, Temper. Give it a listen and discover the perfect soundtrack for a cold winter morning.

See You In Another Life, Brotha!

There's only 28 days left until the premiere of LOST's final season! The anticipation is killing me! Check out the Last Supper ode above... what does it all mean!?! I'm sad that my favorite Scotsman seems to be MIA, but let's just hope he pops in to say hello at some point. There's not much time for non-LOSTies to catch up, but ABC has released an updated version of "Everything You Need to Know About LOST in 8:15" for you crammers who want to brush up on your knowledge. It's quite amusing, though I doubt anyone who hasn't seen the show will be able to follow the insanity. Let the countdown begin!

Via Gawker

For The Love of Food

We may have just barreled head first into a bitter winter, but my need for greens every single day has not waned. In the past, I've craved piping hot pastas and other comfort food, but for some reason I've managed to stay *gasp* healthy throughout these harsh months. Part of the reason is the fantastic salads I've come across, that are packed full of flavor and are surprisingly filling. Those who know me, are well aware of my ongoing obsession with a certain Grilled Halloumi Salad at my local haunt. For those who need a little background, Halloumi is a Cypriot cheese that's best described as follows: if Feta and Mozzarella had a baby, it would be Halloumi. It has the chewiness of Mozzarella coupled with the saltiness of Feta, but has a mild flavor that won't offend cheese unenthusiasts. I ate this salad at least once a week while I was unemployed, and was devastated when they told me that it was a summer item that would soon disappear from the menu. I don't know if it was due to my sales alone, but somehow the salad has made it's way onto their winter menu allowing me to savor it on occasion. But this isn't brain surgery people - it's just salad making, so this weekend I thought to myself it's about time I try my hand at conjuring up this lemony confection. It's incredibly simple, and oh-so-fresh so I recommend you try this Grilled Halloumi Salad for a light and refreshing winter pick me up!

Ingredients:

1 bunch of mixed greens
1 bunch of mint, chopped finely
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
2 roma tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 onion, chopped (optional, I hate raw onions in salads but others love it!)
4 slices Haloumi cheese (for each serving of salad)

For the dressing:
2 lemons, juiced
Olive oil, equal parts olive oil and lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste

Preparation:

Combine the mixed greens and mint with the cucumber, tomato (and onion). Grill the slices of Haloumi cheese on a grill pan to warm the cheese through, and get those fantastic grill marks. Combine the dressing with the salad, plate the greens and arrange the cheese slices (3-4 pieces per serving) on top. Enjoy!