12.25.2010

Merry Christmas/Happy Saturnalia

From Der Schatten and the Fetching Frau Schatten, Merry Christmas: Like I said a few days ago, belief or proper denomination is not required to enjoy a paid State and Federal holiday; to eat well; to visit with family and friends, and just generally to enjoy the company of loved ones. (And presents...don't forget, everyone likes getting new shit!).


See you boils and ghouls in a few days, until then, let's have some punk mood music as you tuck into that first glass of booze and watch "A Christmas Story" for the fourth time today.


The Vandals' 1996 Christmas Classic "Oi to the World", with the title track for you...




Give back to the one who's always been there for you: "Christmas Time For My Penis"










"Grandpa's Last Christmas": Be nice; they'll soon be dead.








-d.s.



12.23.2010

Alphabetical of Simple Pleasures: K-O

Once again; great things to give as gifts, pamper yourself, or be a snob...all for $30 or less! Also, it is worth noting, that I am not paid for any of these endorsements. This is a 100% non-commercial venture. I just try to share the love to whom I can, when I can.

Enjoy. You can also peruse Parts One (A-D) and Two (E-J), respectively.


K-Pak Deep Penetrating Moisture Reconstructor

At $18-$24, this is an absolute essential for those living in dry areas. More importantly, for you poor bastards stuck in the cold, dry, frigid, snowy/icy, windy weather gripping most of the country, you know how much havoc is wrought on your coif. This is pricey for just over on ounce, but no conditioner on the planet does so much, with so little, so fast for your frozen locks. Obvs, not for every day use.









Macallan Fine Oak 10

This one cheats a bit (usually retails for about $32...but, let's pretend anyway). Macallan is a Speyside/Highland scotch, usually known for its 12 and 15-year varieties, and excellent amber coloration. The "Fine Oak 10" is, as you'd guess, an aged oak, 10-y.o. version, and, is an excellent mid-priced entry, replete with complex flavors. Let's hear what "Spirit Journal" magazine says shall we, upon giving this top shelf booze four- out of five-stars:

Pale golden yellow color is pure and clean, the initial aroma reveal supple, buttery, and piney aromas. The palate entry is honey sweet and silky.

If that doesn't make you thirsty, I don't know what will....









Library Card

Where iTunes is 20th Century par excellence in musical cataloging, it doesn't have shit on the original master organizers: Libraries(ians). From Alexander and Athens in Greece to Athens in Georgia, libraries are the repository of human knowledge, belief, innovation and imagination. A city has no soul unless it has a library; and, if there is one thing on this earth that can change a child forever it is a trip to the library (the summer reading programs are brilliant, and life-changing --growing up as a desperately poor child, I can personally attest to this fact). Best part is, as a taxpayer of the county/city, your membership is usually free, and, if not, libraries (and supporting them), represents the single best $5-$10 you'll ever spend. Ever.

H/T to the Fetching Frau Schatten for reminding me of this one :)


The iconic NYC Central Public Library...




 
Nordstrom "Smart Care" Flat Front Slacks

Simply put, I love Nordstrom's slacks. American Eagle makes jeans and chinos that actually fit like a glove, no tailoring required. But, for everyday business slacks that fit that way, it's a tougher bill. This is where the "Smart Care", machine washable, flat front, no iron-required, business casual slacks are perfect, and fit perfectly. Nordstrom quality; great fit; low maintenance, and affordable during the Labor Day sale ($27.99-$45.99, after 40% off).



Pleats are for suckas, yo.




Ono

You probably know this fish better as Wahoo, on the mainland. However, the Hawaiian word for this critter is "Ono", which means "good to eat" or "delicious". And, it is absolutely both of those things. A mild, firm fish, with little gaminess and a pleasant texture, it is exceptionally versatile for grilling, and is excellent sashimi style as well. Local caught Ono goes for about $13.99/lb, prices on the mainland are as high as $24/lb. Either way, meet the Sea Bass' equally delicious cousin. 



The redder the better. Look at the core of this thing...it's practically a tenderloin.





-d.s.

How did I miss this?

Cracked on Ingmar Bergen



Paging Antonius Block...



I love me a good Bergman film; grainy black and white movies, usually with the incomparable Max von  Sydow, beautiful women, two hours in the dark exploring the post-modern crises of faith in a cold, uncaring universe. Cracked has a beta topic index, where readers can create their own sort of dick joke Wiki. 

The entry RE: Ingmar Bergen is some special kind of awesome. Be sure to check out the full entry, but below is a snippet of the Bergen Drinking Game



Now that you know everything you need to know about Ingmar Bergman, you can Netflix a few of his movies and play this game with your buddies:
One Drink
  • a character appears in a mirror
  • two characters have a dialogue while at least one is staring an the abyss
  • Max von Sydow murders someone who totally deserved it
  • Something makes no fucking sense
Two Drinks
  • a character questions the existence of God
  • a character has a moral crisis
  • Sven Nykvist is a genius



Well done. Well done.



DAMN; thursday got off to a late start

Not for the day; I was up at 4:00 (per my usual, as of late). Rather, I got a late start on this. Hell, it's almost siesta time on the East Coast.


Anyway, please enjoy some Mira; an excellent dark rock band, labeled "goth" by Metropolis, but I'll let you make that judgment call....


I love her voice; not as somnolent as Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star), but just as emotive, and actually with a bit better range.
Incidentally, this is one of the best "fuck, we've broken up" songs evah. 
Lyrics here, for those wishing to heap a lil' misery on themselves this Holiday season.



-d.s.