Moving Back to the Midwest

Here we are. A new chapter, the windy city—from one extreme to the next. Although our stay in Colorado was short-lived, we're just stupid and able enough to do what feels good whenever opportunity knocks... And, boy, did it ever. Sean's working with a long-time friend and inspiring craftsman, our new home is just two floors above his storefront/shop, and what's to say about living in the city that hasn't already been said? Third largest metropolitan area (by population) in the states, and it feels like our oyster: food, music, traffic, light, people, noise, life, love... not to mention being back in the Midwest couldn't have been timed better. I love this place, I feel like I always have, I just didn't know it was here until now.

Lots is changing, and there's not much to say—at least not now. Sean and I just celebrated out one year anniversary, and so we're all kinds of caught up in this dreamy weather that's coming upon us now. Enjoy some Lera Lynn, as she is blowing up the airways lately; This TV On The Radio cover (and video) is doing it for me—how about you?

'Excuses' by Morning Benders

From Yours Truly.

Miss Chris, Issue One

So I've been reading a lot of Chris Ware lately; My friend has been putting his library of graphic novels and illustrator sketch books in front of my face, forcing me to read them—and then I suddenly remembered how much I love comics. Especially the dark, haunting, uncomfortably real and serious stories that I've been seeing everywhere. Mickey Duzyj's new series is one such story that caught my eye; Impulse buy, but whatever—I'm glad I nabbed this first issue of many narratives to come about employees at a certain mysterious race track.

The first thing that caught my fancy is Miss Chris's color palette—which I'm hoping changes with each new issue, based on the starring character's story and traits. The little 10-page comic is printed really, really well and so it has this deep, velvety black paired with a unique bubble gum pink. The sweetest spots for me are when the pink and black interact, creating a hazy and yet still vibrant new hue (see the parking lot image above).

Looking forward to the second installment of this series. This mini comic has only whet my appetite for more, but isn't that what comics are all about?

Get yours from Mickey's shop or read the post about it's coming to fruition.

"Mr. Trask, it's awful not to be loved."

I'd never seen a James Dean movie until Giant, where he played a down-on-his-luck guy who was terribly, terribly handsome. And I don't know if all James Dean movies are like this (because I've only got two under my belt now), but East of Eden was no exception to this typecasting. He's boyish, rebellious, sexy—and there's something peculiar about the man's body language and flow; I think it's part of his angst thing, but it's quite comical. I feel like Paul Rudd was channelling James during this Wet Hot American Summer scene.

Regardless, the movie is about a young man who thinks he's a total failure, but, really, just wants to do right (or rather, be loved). His brother's childhood sweetheart sees the good in him and tries to nurture it even though his father and brother can't see past the shenanigans—which are all good-hearted and innocent actually. It's set during the period leading up to America's entry into World War I; The father looses money on a business endeavor, the brother dodges the draft, and much tension festers in their small town. It's a story of Cain and Abel and of a paradise lost with accents of James Dean pouting and flailing his limbs.

Teddy Fitzhugh, I Love You

Awhile back, I stumbled upon The Mixtape Club, where—every month—they commission 10 people to compile 10 songs, and design 10 album covers (one per mix). I try to sample each mix that comes through there, but often times I stop listening and move on to the next. Until I found Teddy Fitzhugh's.

It was from this track list that I found his photoblog, and I haven't been disappointed with it yet. Frankly, I am in love. I know nothing about London's culture, street fashion or the music scene, but I think Teddy is insanely amazing. These are just a few of my favorites, but there's plenty where they came from and they're always good. He captures so well those intimate moments on the street or at the show, so it's no wonder he shoots for GetMe, Vice, Fact and Protein. He's awesome, and I really appreciate what he's doing. So please, please don't stop.