Studying the art of self censorship.

First Dates.

Someone asked me recently what my idea of the perfect first date would be. (UGH, I know, right?) Without a second thought, I answered with all the things that I love to do in this city : go to the Museum of Jurassic Technology and marvel at the silly exhibits, catch a Criterion or experimental film at the New Beverly or Silent Movie Theater, peek into other worlds at the Griffith Park Observatory, peruse a thrift store/garage sale for someone else's treasures, dig through the plethera of fiction at the Mystery Book Store, catch a Saturday lecture on contemporary art at LACMA, drive around looking for the oddest places we can find and laughing at their strangely wonderful presence, go to a food festival and make ourselves sick on things like garlic blue cheese fries and plantain sundaes, compare notes on our musical discoveries for hours on end, go to a vintage clothing store and dress up in costumes and re-enact our favorite movie scenes, go to a public park late at night and have a 'who-can-swing-the-highest' contest, and so on and so on.

I was recently reminded that none of those things have anything to do with the question.

My answer has been revised, and sure, it's completely obvious, but nonetheless, it's a small revelation to me. It has nothing to do with what you do. It has everything to do with whom you do it with.

So, what's my idea of the perfect first date? One that ends in being told that they would love to do it again...tomorrow.

Best and worst.

I finally broke down and ordered a copy of John Waters' absurd (now that's an oxymoron) cult masterpiece, Desperate Living. It arrives this week, so it goes without saying that I'll be cancelling most of my weekend plans.

Mazel Tov!

The third year's the charm or Today is a day for sensory recall.

Indie folk/Alt-Country band Phosphorescent keeps sneaking in to my current rotation. Fronted by Matthew Houck (of Athens, Georgia) and signed to indie label Dead Oceans (John Vanderslice, Bishop Allen, Bowerbirds), Phosphorescent's 2007 album release found itself overwhelmingly praised by Pitchfork Media.

I keep coming back to one particular song that just seems to get under my skin. Recently, I stumbled across a Daytrotter Session recording of that particular song, which somehow magically captures the true grit at the center. It needn't be said that I find this version to seep perfection at the pores.

Listen here : Phosphorescent {Daytrotter Sessions} : A Picture of Our Torn Up Praise.

April Showers.

This morning, someone that I know passed away tragically. She was a beyond beautiful human being and an incredible best friend to one of my longest time pals. Her name is April and she'll never be forgotten. So much love.

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If ever I create something as great as this, then I will have succeeded.

Patrick Watson- Luscious Life from Opak Media on Vimeo.