Play That Funky Music

I first heard Tortured Soul on a DJ Spinna mix tape several years ago that I found on Milk Audio. Not long thereafter I serendipitously discovered they'd be playing at Southpaw, a Park Slope music venue. Their energy, throwback style, and overall vibe were a big hit with me. This past Wednesday it all came full circle as they once again performed at Southpaw. Let's see, great local band. Check. Amped up crowd. Check. Free Admission. Awesome. Whiffs of ganj in the air (sadly as close as I come to the stuff these days). Hearing new jams along with the ones you know well. Super Duper. These skinny tie wearing white boys jam some seriously good house/soul/funk. If you weren't watching them play live you'd think they were a synthed up studio band - the amount of sound these guys generate is pretty wild. Their music is fun, danceable, and even better live where the guys get to show their chops as musicians.

[not a bad shot for a camera phone in a dark room huh?]

Not Usually

Do you dress like a Douchebag?

Apparently Can Out Bench Me

Meet Lil' Romeo, the world's smallest bodybuilder

3rd Time ... And More to Come?

The photo you're looking at is of my Xbox 360 in dreaded "Red Rings of Death" mode. These red lights means your system is FUBAR; in Microsoft parlance, you've suffered a hardware failure (according to some retailers, the failure rate is over 30% compared to less than 1% for the playstation 3). It's my third time, lucky me. You call the repair hot line, walk through some pointless troubleshooting, a week or so later you get a box in which to mail the 360 to the service center, and then depending on the backlog, you get an 360 back in two to four weeks. You might receive your actual xbox back or it might be a refurbished unit. Fun. The two prior failures cost me almost two months of down time; the first unit they returned to me failed in one day and had to be sent back! There are legions of unhappy folks out there who have it even worse than me; this guy has gone through the dance 12 times. Microsoft, after denying there was a problem, generously extended warranty coverage for three years. Until the next unit arrives I guess air guitar is going to have to substitute for Guitar Hero - what a rip.

My Mom Is Not Wealthy ...

Update: I got the idea to take these photos from a feature in Andrew Sullivan's blog called "the view from your window." Anyone interested in submitting the view from theirs?

But she does have million dollar views. The Buffalo Light House, Naval Park, and Lake Erie from her living room, and downtown Buffalo from the roof of her building.

Words With Pictures Rescued Big D

Late last summer I picked up Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie, what a mistake. No book in recent history has done more to disinterest me in reading. I struggled to get through each chapter, usually giving up after a few pages, my mind closed to words no matter their pedigree. I finished Midnight's Children after four grueling months, determined to keep the number of books that have gotten the better of me to the handful that already exist. And like a prisoner walking free after a long incarceration, I couldn't wait to get back into action, not with hookers at the point, but with easy reads. My remedy? Graphic novels. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to reading and reviewing several meaty novels that have been collecting dust while I traversed Rushdie's India. Until then, here are some writers and artists that might be worth getting to know.

Stop Forgetting to Remember, The Autobiography of Walter Kurtz by Peter Kuper (2007) – I loved this book. Walter Kurtz is the author’s alter ego: the main character and narrator of Kuper’s riotously funny coming of age novel/memoir. Kuper follows Kurtz through the main traumas and triumphs of his life, namely, trying and failing to get laid as a teenager, becoming a father, and pursuing success as an artist and writer. Kuper is a great writer and artist and as much fun as I had reading this I also felt that much of what he conveys would ring true for most people for whom growing up has been a topsy turvy ride. Graphically Kuper’s style is whimsical and rich. A close examination of each cel often reveals clever puns, and references to other comics, art, and books; the more carefully you look, the more you will find.

Chance In Hell by Gibert Hernandez (2007) - Hernandez’s work is steeped in magical realism, I’m told. In this case I found the magic confusing and the realism a bit too depressing. Chance in Hell is the story of the discarded in our society, in particular, it’s the story of a young girl named Empress who lives in a garbage dump where she is at turns violated by the opportunistic, and protected by the equally violent. Eventually Empress is adopted by a seemingly well meaning man but she seems no happier in her new life than her old. She consorts with a teenage pimp, hangs out with whores and johns – because those are whom she feels most comfortable with I presume. Throughout each stage of her life, from the days in the dump through her days as a married woman, happiness continues to be elusive. The book’s ending left me scratching my head and wondering what I missed. Graphically, Hernandez’s style is dark, violent, and abstract.

The Dark Tower, The Gunslinger Born by Stephen King (2007) – This highly stylized graphic novel is based on the series of novels by Stephen King but is written and illustrated by artists from Marvel comics. Not having read the novels, the obviously abbreviated story presented in the graphic novel didn’t bother me, however, as is often the case when novels are adapted into other forms, fans of the original work may feel the deviations from the original are too great. This is a western gothic epic that features truly evil bad guys and a clan of gunslingers determined to thwart them. The action is intense, the blood flows freely, and fantasy and reality freely swap places in a fun and exciting read.

Shortcomings by Adrian Tomine (2004-2007) – Adrian Tomine writes quirky modern graphic novels that deal with the issues of young urban adults, in this case a young Asian American couple, Ben and Miko, headed for splitsville. The novel’s other primary character is Ben’s unlikely best friend, Alice. Ben has a thing for white women, and a lot of insecurity about where he was shorted in the gene pool, if you know what I’m saying. Miko is aware of his wandering eyes, and is in a way liberated by it. The dialogue in this novel is top notch; realistic, funny, irreverent, and insightful. The artwork is clean, detailed, and easy to follow.

The Boondocks, All The Rage by Aaron McGruder (2007) – This collection includes strips run between December 2004 through December 2006, transcripts of interviews given by McGruder between 1999 and 2006, and before and after versions of particularly controversial strips that McGruder was forced to revise due to their sensitive or inflammatory nature. Overall, a must have addition to any Boondocks fan’s collection.

Essence du New Jersey

More of these Jersey douchebags here

Ha

(thanks Kurtis)

All Hail The Mac

When buying computers I've often always been guided by price. Apple computers, pretty though they are, have always seemed too expensive. Additionally, as someone who likes to tinker with my tech, pc's offered options that Apple intentionally foreclosed. But times and my attitude are changing. Headache free operation is worth a lot and as for tinkering, been there, done that. If what I'm seeing among family, friends, and co-workers is any indication, I'm not alone. Apple is doing a heck of a job swaying folks like myself with a simple message of rock solid reliability, pc like processing power, and unsurpassed design. MacWorld, the annual Apple showcase begins Tuesday and the tech world is abuzz. Will this be the year Apple introduces a super thin and light notebook? What new improvements can we expect to the iphone? What new enhancements to the Apple operating system (this, btw, is what really separates macs from pcs) will further widen the gap between it and Windows? What new relationships with media content providers will be unveiled? We'll soon find out and though I hope my current Dell lasts a while longer, when it goes, I'm going with it straight to Apple. (More rumors here)

I Bet It Tasted Like Crap

Many of you have probably seen this but the sheer audacity of it requires a second look. Princess culture at its most idiotic. Get the details here.

Cuba – Fun place … for a drink

The singer/guitarist and congero playing when we dined at Cuba on a Friday night were excellent. But loud. I enjoyed the live music but if you want a somewhat quieter meal, ask to be seated downstairs. Though cozy in size, Cuba is not necessarily the place you’d go for a cozy meal.

The musicians weren’t the only entertainment. Seated prominently by the window – and successfully catching the eyes of passerbys on the street – a man rolled fresh cigars. It was never explained to us but I think the cigars could be had for a small gratuity. Had it been warmer I may have taken one, but not envisioning a time or place to smoke a cigar in the near future, I passed.

The menu features dressed up versions of traditional latin favorites like arroz con pollo, papa rellenos, and camarones al ajillo, among other dishes. Between the music and the cigars, there’s a hint of theme restaurant, sadly, the food adds to the impression.

We shared the coconut shrimp and stuffed tostones to start, the grilled Mahi Mahi and butterflyed sirloin steak for entrees. Three of our four dishes featured a garnish of some sort of Caribbean mashed root vegetable. Whatever it was, there was too much of it. Even the tostones were nothing to write home about. The food wasn’t bad it just wasn’t particularly great. New York is a city with lots of Latin food options, and in my opinion many less expensive choices I’ve tried are better.

Perhaps cost is the wrong lens through which to view Cuba. The prices at Cuba weren’t especially high by New York standards, and as part of your dining experience you are treated to live music and a fun festive atmosphere. But much like this review, the food may be the last part of your experience you talk about.

Cuba is located on Thompson Street between Bleecker and West 3^rd. Dinner for two with two appetizers, two entrees, a pitcher of Sangria and one desert came to about $100 before tip.

Old Is New ... and Delicious

Chimichurri Grill describes itself as Nuevo Argentine Cuisine. I suppose that comes from dishes like their Churrasco which features thinly pounded Filet Mignon instead of the more typical thicker cut of steak.

Nuevo or viejo, Chimichurri Grill is a winner. Like many restaurants in this part of Hell’s Kitchen, the dining room is cozy. Unlike other similarly sized places, it didn’t feel small despite a veritable army of servers and bus boys.

To start we shared an empanada filled with Swiss Chard and Manchego cheese, and a tortilla which to my surprise was served warm rather than cold (tapas on the brain I suppose). Each was tasty and Immersing ourselves further into the flavors of Argentina we ordered a reasonably priced Malbec.

Our entrees consisted of the Entraña (skirt steak) and the Churrasco. The menu offered a few seafood, chicken and pasta dishes but the grilled steaks were primary.

Chimichurri Grill is located on 9^th Avenue between 43^rd and 44^th Streets. Dinner for two consisting of two appetizers, two steak entrees, a $50 bottle of wine, and one desert came to approximately $135 before tip.

Perhaps I Spoke Too Soon?

Trumping Bologna gum might just might be the Twodaloo ... I do not want. Ever.

What Better Way to Start 2008?

Than with some bologna gum? I can't think of any. I'm back. Let's make it a good one people!

Closed For Fall

If the lack of posts here haven't made it clear, this blog and its scribe are on hiatus. I have chosen to supsend rather than terminate my "work" on this site. I look forward to returning in earnest early next year as the primary season heats up. The verbal Macarena our candidates engage in is just the hook I need to get me back up and running. In the meanwhile I plan to catch up on my reading (Absurdistan and Midnight's Children at the moment), dominate my fantasy football leagues, and maybe even generate a few book and restaurant reviews. Until then, see ya.

Shufflin' Off

As some of you know, today is my last day at W&S. I had no expectations for this gig when I started, 14 months later I find myself leaving one of the best 'jobs' I've had. The work was substantive; I learned new things and got to brush up on some old skills, the choice to bill crazy hours - or not - was mine alone, and though the pace and pressures of the practice made some people behave a little poorly at times, it was a good group of people to work with. When I left my last permanent job in 2001, this was exactly the type of temp gig I hoped to find. I'll consider myself fortunate if my next assignment is anything like this one.

Before I jump into the next assignment, however, a little R&R is in order. I'm shuffling off to Buffalo and Ft. Lauderdale over the next two weeks. See the family and catch some sun (hopefully). Do some outlet mall shopping (its the little things people), spoil the niece and nephew a bit, chill.

Enjoy what's left of summer.

Big D

I'm No Travis Ruse ...

But every now and then I see something on the subway that requires me to pull out the old camera phone. In this case, seeing this OG rocking this hat made me want to say, I ain't mad at you playa. Praise Jah and have a great weekend everybody!

A House Built On Sand ...

Monument Valley

My attempt at re-creating Monument Valley with Photoshop (below).

Giving Back To The Community

Former narcotics officer Barry Cooper has released a DVD with tips for pothead to follow to avoid ending up behind bars. For example the old "joint in straw" technique. See the full story on Radar.

On the flip side, Radar shows why maybe you shouldn't smoke. It makes you dumber than a pair of six year olds and a monkey.

WTF?

Filipino prisoners perform Thriller (well)

Mind's Playing Tricks On You

An Illusion from Akiyoshi KITAOKA. (Hint - your mind is making those circles move)

Humans 1, Whales 0

Indonesian fishermen tackle nature ... and eat.

Not As Stupid As He Looks

On the Libby sentence commutation it's worth noting one rationale for why Bush didn't grant a pardon (note: this is from an op-ed written a month and a half ago):

If Bush were to pardon Libby, he and Vice President Cheney would give up the rationale they have used successfully for four years to avoid addressing their own roles in the case. And Libby's trial made very clear that the President and Vice President played significant and troubling roles at the very heart of the case. It is for the very same reason that Bush is more likely to follow the advice some have offered him and commute Libby's prison sentence, allowing Libby to remain free while he pursues legal vindication.

... But if Bush simply commutes Libby's prison sentence without effectively vacating Libby's conviction, the appeals process goes forward and Bush and Cheney continue to have their rationale for not answering the press' questions. This strategy would also have the added benefit for Bush of eliminating the chance, however remote, that under the pressure of prison time away from his family and abandoned by the White House he served loyally, Libby himself would tell the true story of his own and others' conduct.

A pardon would have elminated any constitutional right Libby could have asserted against self incrimination. By commuting the sentence Bush has effectively bought Libby's silence. Pretty smart for a dumb guy.

The Aliens Weren't Drunk

These "crop circles" are courtesy of a drunk driver trying to escape the cops.