Style Icons: Male »Adam MCA Yauch

RIP

Maybe it’s because we that grew up listening to The Beastie Boys are at the age when horrible things realities like cancer and other illnesses no longer just seem like something that happens to other people. Maybe it’s because anyone my age has at least one vivid memory associated with the band (I have quite a few myself) but the tragic death of Adam Yauch, aka MCA, has hit people of my generation particularly hard.

It feels like someone we knew has passed on. It’s close to home and he was far, far too young.

He was the social conscience of the band, the one that brought some gravitas to the party. He and his Tibetan activist wife have a daughter, and the photo below just breaks my heart for them.

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Posted on May 4, 2012

Albums »Disraeli Gears

by Cream (1967)

Man, Disraeli Gears is a fantastic album. It may be less bluesy and more psychedelic (that cover art isn’t lying) than my favorite, Fresh Cream, but the number of singularly amazing songs on this thing is astounding.

While songs like Take It Back, Tale of Brave Ulysses, Dance the Night Away, World of Pain, Sunshine of Your Love, and Strange Brew (I told you there are some doozies) represent the best of the experimentation with traditional music of the 60’s they are  still timeless.

I vividly remember hearing my dad play Strange Brew as a child and having my little world rocked. It still makes me feel transported to someplace wild.

Many bands claim to be “super groups” but Cream was truly super.

Also, somehow this album goes perfectly with the weird weather.

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Posted on May 3, 2012

Style Icons: Male »Aquirax Uno

Awesome Artist

There’s little information to be found about psychedelic artist Aquirax Uno but his vibrant, wild works speak for themselves.

I mean, wow!

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Posted on May 3, 2012

Style Icons: Female »Marsha Hunt

Brown Sugar

If you’ve heard The Rolling Stones’ “Brown Sugar” you know of Marsha Hunt. Mother to Jagger’s child, she was also once married to Mike Ratledge of Soft Machine and was romantically linked to Marc Bolan.

But Hunt was no career groupie. She was a singer in bands like The Ferris Wheel, an actress – she was literally the poster child for Hair in which she starred, and an author.

She is also a strong woman who is gorgeous and rocked an enviable, amazing afro.

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Posted on May 1, 2012

Web Sites »Miroco Machiko

Japanese Illustrator

The work of Japanese artist Miroco Machiko has to be some of the most charming I’ve seen.

I found the whimsical childlike illustrations through a friend on Pinterest and can’t stop admiring at them.

I find them very inspiring and want to just let go with paints, markers and crayons one afternoon not over thinking the end result.

Just lovely.

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Posted on May 1, 2012

Recipes »Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce

from The Pioneer Woman

When you’ve been under the weather for seemingly forever as I have, you crave comforting food that’s simple and easy to make. This Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe from The Pioneer Woman fit the bill in every way without being the least bit boring (all that cream and parmesan helps).

It’s great as is, but also a good based for experimenting. We made ours to the letter except substituting bucatini (my favorite pasta) for the fettuccine.

 

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Posted on April 30, 2012

Restaurants »Mozz Shop

20120429-103808.jpgat Smorgasburg

Another Smorgasburg down another great small dish to rave about. This week I give you a vendor newbie: Mozz Shop.

It’s one of the more intriguing additions to the fair – I could watch them churning those big globs of fresh mozzarella all day- but eating it is even sweeter.

We split the bocconcini – small marinated mozzarella balls with herbs and spices.

Easily, these were everyone’s favorite of the day: decadent but simple.

Can’t wait to try more of their delectable menu like the “Italian Corn Dogs” made with sausage and mozzarella deep fried in polenta batter.

 

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Posted on April 29, 2012

Movies »Ghostbusters

directed by Ivan Reitman (1984)

Recommending Ghostbusters, even as part of my ongoing “Top Best Movies You’ve Probably Seen But If You Haven’t You Better Get On It Marathon” seems silly.

I mean, we’ve all seen it right? We’ve all probably even seen the disappointing sequel and the animated series The Real Ghostbusters (neither of which, let’s get clear, am I recommending).

Those that haven’t seen this classic, flawless comedy.. Come on!!

All others can rejoice in re-watching it on Netflix instant.
Did I ever mention the time I made a Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in art class as a child or wanted to be Ray Parker Jr for halloween? Yep, I was (and am) a pretty big fan.

Rumors persist in a third installment but I’m not sure it will happen or if it’s a good idea if it does.

 

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Posted on April 29, 2012

Drinks »Beaner Bar

20120421-084715.jpg447 Graham Ave

Do you miss the mid 1990’s? Like really, really miss them? If so, there is a home for you and you don’t even have to travel to Austin Texas to find it.

Beaner Bar will welcome you with Beck and Nirvana blasting and dia de los muertos murals, but most importantly you’ll be welcomed with friendly service. It is forgotten so often, but really kind and warm service is golden.

The few times I’ve been I found a host of regulars called out by name, smiles that greet everyone, and I know it may not seem like much, but there’s even a ramp to make getting a stroller in easy.

Plus, the iced lattes are good.

Word has it that the mochas are made with ground Mexican chocolate and that the tamales are incredible – will have to try both next time.

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Posted on April 27, 2012

TV Shows »Girls

on HBO

Girls. It’s about hipsters. It’s about millennials. Of course there’s a rage filled backlash against its hype and popularity. No two peoples are more scoffed at on the planet.

I expected to be thoroughly annoyed myself. I know these girls. They crowd restaurants in the weekday afternoons. They dress like Blossom. They never give a seat to a pregnant lady on the subway feeling more entitled to rest their own feet. They make me feel old as they spill out of Bedford Avenue bars – and make me feel good about being old. It’s not that I hate them, I just assumed that watching a show glamorizing their bankrolled lifestyle wouldn’t be my idea of fun.

And fun its not, but Girls is in its own way rather smart and interesting. It’s not glamorizing but quite self critical, often cringe inducing (reminding me of Todd Solondz). Creator Lena Dunham knows her subjects well and thrives on the old adage “go with what you know”. Her characters are realistic, horribly flawed (but not in that script writing class “fatal flaw” kind of way) and more interesting for it. The only exception is the character Shoshanna who comes of as an over the top improve character delivered by a girl who hates other girls. Some empathy and subtler acting could have gone a long way here.

The pilot was better that the second episode which focused on sex in a desperate and often icky way (realistic? Possibly for some. Enjoyable to watch? Eeh.) and whether the entire season can hold my attention remains to be seen. More Chris Eigeman wouldn’t hurt.

I will say Girls surprised me. And at the very least, it’s a very welcome point of view compared to the often veiled sexist crap that litters premium channels (just try to watch the horrendous House of Lies to get an idea of what I mean).

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Posted on April 27, 2012