Five for Friday

It looks like our plans to go camping are literally getting rained out, so a weekend at the townhouse is in store. And that probably is a good thing since there's plenty to be done around these parts.

1. Makeover rut: I had big plans for the office-slash-guest bedroom when we moved in, but progress on the multipurpose space has been halted. Too many ideas and an unclear design vision has led to inactivity. 

Five months later, only the desk and bookcase are assembled. The pictures sit on the floor waiting to be hung; the shelves aren't properly styled and there aren't curtains or a window-seat cushion. To make matters worse, the room has turned into a landing place for miscellaneous items. 

My expectations for designing the space were probably too high, and now I'm afraid the end result will fall short of what I wanted initially. But it's to the point where the room is starting to bum me out. Not conducive to a job that calls for creativity. Outside of my bedroom, it's where I spend the most time. So I'd like the space to be pretty, organized, inspirational, fresh, functional and clean. And most of all, a reflection of me.

After seeing this before and after, it's the push I need to give the makeover another shot. The first step is to clear everything, minus the desk and bookcase, out of the room this weekend.

Do you have any tips or tricks to break through a creative block?

2. Destination: Forever: The fiance and I are throwing around the idea of an international wedding. We have a place in mind, but more research will be done this weekend to make sure it's the right decision for us.

3. Write away: The goal is to put the finishing touches on a few upcoming blog posts. Stay tuned. Have I mentioned how good it is to write again?!

4. Seeing stars: It's been forever since the two of us have seen a movie in the theater. We've been Red-Boxin' it lately. Angelina Jolie's spy thriller "Salt," which has been on my radar for months, and the hyped-up, mind-bending trip "Inception" are worthy candidates to end the drought.

5. The perfect storm?: As mentioned above, thunderstorms are in the forecast, setting the stage for some cool photo opportunities. 

What are your plans or goals for the weekend?

[Source]

Year-round Fireworks

One of my favorite shops is in an airport. Yes, a place of hustle, bustle, connections, hellos and goodbyes also houses one of the coolest stores in the Pacific Northwest. 

Fireworks in the Sea-Tac airport is a must-visit for those in search of extraordinary gifts, hip housewares and other unexpected and one-of-a-kind merchandise. Think of it as your one-stop shop for some of the most rad apparel, barware, books, food, handbags and luggage, jewelry, lighting and stationary between take-offs and landings.

The prices can be a little unforgiving, but the extra coin or plastic is worth it, considering the shops support and host many Northwest artists' work.

Thankfully, all this amazing stuff isn't confined to just an airport. The company has six Seattle-area stores: The one in Sea-Tac I always hit up when I go home and locations in Pioneer Square, Westlake Center, Bellevue Square, University Village and Southcenter.

The Web site isn't the most user-friendly, but they do accept online orders.

Don't forget to check out the trinkets at the register. It's definitely not the usual crap. No 5-Hour Energy, cheap lighters or beef-jerky sticks here.

This is the one time you might want to miss your flight.

The one "WTF item" I found in the store. It's pretty self-explanatory as to why it sucks.

 

Fireworks lovelies in my home:

Remember the letter box from above? I couldn't resist it. The peace and four leaf clover coins were finds at the register. It really is in the details.

My first Fireworks acquisition was this sweet little iron heart box. It was too cute to pass up. LOVE the dainty chain. And the precious glass hearts ... more check-out goodness.

Because who doesn't need fun trinkets in their life? Stunning Waterford crystal jewelry holder was a birthday gift from the fiance. He has good taste.

Taking what I can get: My love for Jenny and hate for Johnny

I can admit when I'm wrong. Especially when it comes to misjudging music. A few weeks ago, I was listening to a roundtable discussion showcasing new summer tunes on NPR. And what, to my surprise, do I hear? Jenny Lewis is coming out with an album in August. Holy hell. But ... there was a catch. It was with Scottish singer-songwriter Johnathan Rice. Ugh. They played a sample from the first single, "Scissor Runner," and I immediately hated it. I had adored everything Lewis did ... up until that. What the eff does that title even mean? Enter my Johnathan Rice bias.

It's no secret I have a complete music and girl crush on Ms. Lewis, frontwoman of the amazing Rilo Kiley, who is taking an extended hiatus from the group to focus on her solo career. 

Apparently, she is doing a solo-plus-one thing these days, adding her boyfriend of five years, Rice, to the musical mix. Rice played on Lewis' second solo album "Acid Tongue" and hit the road with her last year to support that record. He's a good musician. I just have never been able to get into his solo music.

Or so I thought until a few days ago. I downloaded the first two songs released their debut album as Jenny and Johnny courtesy of my college friend William. He profiled the lovers' of all things L.A. for Spin.

After hearing both songs in their entirety, I'm convinced you could pair Katy Perry with JL (I don't want that to happen by any means) and that no-talent "California Gurl" could pass for a musician.

 Evidence of said amazing skills. My video taken April 2009 in Sacramento during the "Acid Tongue" tour.

Which brings me to the original point. Rice is actually listenable on what I've heard of "We're Having Fun Now." Perhaps I'm partial to Lewis, so I'm overlooking my past disdain for Rice because he's the reason I have new JL in my life. Or maybe she is just that good and can't help but bring out the best in her musical partners.

So now I have Johnathan Rice booming out of my laptop speakers. I guess I really am having fun now. Thanks, JL.

The bf/gf have perfected the Americana/folk rock sound so it's refreshing to see them go in the pop direction just in time for the summer's end.

Unfortunately, I live in Arizona, and the duo are one of many groups boycotting the state because of SB 1070. But my friends in the Pacific Northwest and California can see them on tour starting Sept. 1.

Until then, "Scissor Runner" and my early favorite "Big Wave" to hold you over until their album drops Aug. 31.

Jenny and Johnny: "Big Wave"

Jenny and Johnny: "Scissor Runner"



Downloads courtesy of Spin.com:

Seen live: Silversun Pickups + Against Me! + The Henry Clay People

I can't even begin to describe how amazing the Silversun Pickups show was Saturday night. I had wanted to see the L.A. rockers live for a few years, and it was totally worth the wait. 

The foursome performed a quality mix of songs and pumped up the crowd with witty banter and incredible on-stage energy.

You get the impression the former indie-rock darlings play their music like it's the first time each night and love connecting with their fans via a great live concert.

And in saving the best for almost last, the SSPU granted my wish and played "Three Seed," my favorite tune of theirs, in the three-song encore.

As for the openers, the Henry Clay People put on a show worthy of veteran performers. I got a chance to talk with lead singer Joey Siara on my way back from the bathroom and getting a beer between their set and Against Me!. Joey was totally down to earth and humble in thanking me for coming out to the Marquee.

The highlight of the Henry Clay People's set was drummer Eric Scott, who rejoined the band after getting laid off from his day-job. His loss definitely was our gain as the husky dude killed it on the sultry tune "Saturday Night."

Download: "Your Famous Friends"

Going into the concert, I was skeptical as to why the SSPU would tab Against Me! as their tour mates, and my suspicions were confirmed after the Florida-based punk outfit's set. Everything from their attire to their facial expressions to their performance was cheesy, unimpressive and the only flaw in an otherwise solid show. I just wasn't feeling it.

Come to find out the SSPU and Against Me! became good friends after doing a radio show tour together. And if we learned anything after Saturday night, it's sometimes you shouldn't take your homies on the road.

Silversun Pickups set list:

Growing Old Is Getting Old

Well Thought Out Twinkles

Sort Of 

There's No Secrets This Year

The Royal We

Little Lovers So Polite

It's Nice To Know You Work Alone

Future Foe Scenarios

Kissing Families

Catch And Release

Panic Switch

Lazy Eye

Encore: 

Substitution

Three Seed

Common Reactor

Even more visuals from the show:

 Disclaimer: I apologize some of the photos are blurry, have rock hands in them, etc. I need a new camera and there was beer consumed during the taking of these images. Enjoy.

 

  

Nothing like a little new vinyl to usher in a lazy, post-concert Sunday afternoon. My ears are still ringing.

Five for Friday

This weekend you can find the fiance and I confined to the city limits. But for good reason.

[Source]

1. Rock out: One of the top groups on my "bands-to-see-live" list will be checked off Saturday, hence the sticking around. I finally will experience the Silversun Pickups, one of my favorites, in concert at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe. 

I hope, hope, hope, hope they perform "Three Seed" ... their best song in my opinion.

2. Rest: I'm sure we'll need it after the consumption of fuzzed-out, hard-hitting tunes as noted above. Proving 28 is the new 68? We'll see.

3. Refresh: My resume, that is. I'm starting to get a better idea of what my next career move will be. And, sadly, it's probably not here.

4. Cover up: Curtains and bookcase shelf doors are two of the next purchases in the townhouse decorating adventure. A trip to Ikea may be in order Sunday.

5. Window seat > aisle seat: My mom is making an AZ appearance in August, so I need to book her trip, ASAP.

[Source]

Exploring Arizona: The real Red Rock Country

We finally experienced Sedona, and it was amazing to say the least. Surrounded by the famous red rocks, tall trees, blue skies and bustling creek waters, there was always a beautiful view to behold.

The massive volume of touristy stuff surprised me, though. Part of Sedona is devoted to high-end shops, resorts and spiritual healing centers, while the other offers an abundance of recreational opportunities whether it be hiking, swimming or camping. Quite the opposite target groups, but I guess it works for the city.

We stayed away from the commercial traps, except to dine at Oak Creek Brewing Company. And if you're looking for good eats and even better beer, OCBC has them. It was a little pricey, but totally worth it. Their Belgium Wheat beer is tasty.

Saturday was spent setting up camp, hiking to Oak Creek for a swim, playing badminton, making smores and enjoying the company of our campsite "neighbors," including one who was from Seattle, but had since moved to Surprise. He had some great stories about going to Cougar football games in the late '70s.

The reason for our visit to Red Rock Country was to check out the well-known Slide Rock State Park. The park was full by Saturday afternoon when we arrived in Sedona, so we had to wait until Sunday, but it lived up to its billing. We spent about four hours at the park, enjoying the natural water chute, ledge jumping and a secluded swimming hole up a little ways from the slide. The not-so-fun-part: Those rocks earned their slippery namesake. I brought home some painful black and blue souvenirs on my arms and legs. Despite the bruises, it's definitely a place we can take family and friends when they visit.

The plan for our return trip is to hike to Cathedral Rock and hang out at Red Rock State Park. Maybe one day we'll see all the rock formations.

I can't wait to go back and experience more of what Sedona has to offer, expensive, stuffy resorts not included.

In rotation: M.I.A. + Best Coast + Gun Outfit + Titus Andronicus + Small Black + OutKast

There has been no shortage of music this summer. Some my recent iPod additions, old and new, include ...

M.I.A.: "/\/\ /\ Y /\"

One of the most anticipated albums of the year leaked early, and blew me away from beginning to end. The UK-born Sri Lankan war child turned superstar's third release has received mixed reviews. Pitchfork destroyed it after hyping ish up like they always do, while Pop & Hiss, Paste, Spin and Rolling Stone loved it. Stereogum was on the fence.

Top tracks:

"XXXO"

"Tell Me Why"

"Steppin' Up"

"Lovealot"

"Born Free"

Best Coast: "Crazy For You"

I was completely amped for California lo-fi pop outfit Best Coast's debut full-length offering. So you can imagine my sheer delight when it leaked last week. Unfortunately, after a few listens, it has fallen well short of expectation. 

While still a fun record, the noticeable lack of fuzzed-out, doo-wop sound that shot Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno up my list of favorite new artists was disappointing. Many of the songs blend together and the lack of variety in the songwriting gets boring. Detractors who thought Bethany only sounded good because of the layers of distortion were proven wrong. Her voice is reminiscent of a young Neko Case. I'll still keep playing "Crazy For You," but I can only hope Best Coast revisit their earlier sound later down the road.

Listen to the entire album here.

Top tracks:

"Boyfriend"

"Summer Mood"

"Our Deal"

"I Want To"

"Honey"

 

Gun Outfit: "Possession Sound"

Olympia, Washington has produced yet another solid group. These three-piece rockers' simple sound is carried by driving guitar riffs and slow-burning vocals.

Top tracks:  

"New Love Thunders" 

"Wide Awake" 

"Fantasy World"

Titus Andronicus: "The Monitor"

These punk-influenced indie rockers from New Jersey like their music loud, thrashing and heavy hitting. Couple that with a bit of a history lesson and you get their second release, a concept album loosely based on the Civil War.

The record swells to an hour playing time via 10 songs that reflect influences ranging from Conor Oberst to Bruce Springsteen to Flogging Molly.

Their energetic albums, hopefully, will translate to an amazing live show. I'll find out when they make an appearance in Phoenix on Sept. 3.

Top tracks:  

"A More Perfect Union"

"Richard II Or Extraordinary Popular Dimensions And The Madness Of Crowds (Responsible Hate Anthem)"

"A Pot In Which To Piss" 

"To Old Friends And New"

 Small Black: Small Black EP

Found via my recommendations by last.fm, Small Black is an emerging band from Brooklyn who desribe their music as "acousmatic, tape music, concrete and pop.” While we wait for their debut album to drop this fall, the chillwavers build off the crackly, fuzzy, electronic sound cultivated by Toro y Moi, Washed Out, Surfer Blood and Real Estate with their self-titled ep.

Top tracks:  

"Despicable Dogs" 

"Bad Lover"

"Lady In the Wires"

OutKast: Aquemini

Atlanta's premiere purveyors of "crunk music" have gone their separate ways ... for now. In the meantime, the Dirty South duo's 1998 release still stands the test of time 12 years later.

Andre 3000 and Big Boi talk about the making of "Aquemini" here.

Top tracks:  

"Da Art Of Storytellin' (Part 2)" 

"Rosa Parks" 

"SpottieOttieDopaliscious" 

"Skew It On The Bar-B"

So long, legit sports media?

[Source]

I attended the circus last Thursday. Center ring was reserved for LeBron James. The hour-long special titled "The Decision" was supposed to announce which team the coveted free agent would call home for the next few years. Instead, it made a mockery out of journalism and sports in one fell swoop.

ESPN, which hasn't been much of a credible news source for some time, damaged any shred of journalistic integrity it had left by even agreeing to this garbage. And I fear now it has opened the door for ego-driven athletes, money-hungry marketing teams, etc. to bypass whatever is left of the non-biased media all together. And what a sad day that is for people. Hopefully, they'll figure out why once the vitaminwater and Nike commercials fade. But I'm not holding my breath.

The most appalling aspect of this situation: How a news organization so completely and easily relinquished control of their network. Everything from what sponsors could air commercials during the hour to veteran sportscaster Jim Gray being chosen as the "interviewer" was deliberately constructed by LeBron and his people. To be fair, LeBron's camp says they're donating the advertising proceeds from his sponsors ... all $2.5 million of it ... to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. But the damage has been done.

And CNBC has since revealed that Gray allegedly was paid by LeBron's people. Gray adamantly denies this, but who knows what's true at this point because NBC may have been outbid by ESPN to air the announcement. The former ESPN and NBC reporter added to the spectacle by waiting until the 19th question to ask the two-time NBA MVP what team he had chosen, drawing the ire of the press. His hard-hitting questions included, "Did you enjoy this recruiting process?" and "Are you still a nail biter?"

I understand the landscape of journalism is changing. But that doesn't mean a news organization, no matter what medium, has to sink to this level. Without print, airwaves or bandwidth, this marketing wet dream wouldn't work. The cornerstone of the media is to serve as a watchdog. How can that be when the dog is drinking from the same bowl as the people it's supposed to be holding accountable? No matter how much the industry changes, the watchdog function should be the one constant.

The argument could be made that sports is entertainment and is not held to the same standard as say coverage of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan or the health care debate. But what happens when "insert whatever entity" starts buying blocks of time on major news networks to spin their side of a particular issue complete with whatever journalist sells their soul to disguise crap for news? The "don't pee on me and tell me it's raining" adage comes to mind. I just hope CNN doesn't roll over to BP in my lifetime.

This stunt also made me realize sports as a vehicle for values such as hard work, triumph of the human spirit and victory is a sham. The full-blown business of athletics is what really exists. I am no longer disillusioned.

It will be interesting to see if the experiment in Miami does conclude with Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the obviously narcissistic LeBron James winning a championship.

For the media who sold out and potentially changed the function of sports journalism, they better bank on it.

Five for Friday

Today's installment courtesy of Banana Boat's Aloe Vera. Last weekend's travels were amazing, but taught me that sunscreen is my friend. My face didn't get that memo, though.

[Source]

1. Head north: Destination: Slide Rock State Park (above) in Oak Creek Canyon. I'm totally looking forward to the natural water chute. We're also going to Flagstaff for the day on Sunday.

2. Taste: Oak Creek Brewing Company in Sedona and Beaver Street Brewery in Flagstaff are home to award-winning adult beverages. We'd be crazy not to experience them.

3. Face a fear: Since moving to Arizona, my once-indifferent attitude toward snakes has turned into a full-blown fear. Especially when it comes to rattlesnakes. If I'm going to share the outdoors with these slithery creatures, I need to realize they're just as scared of me. Repeat three times.

4. Cool down: I've come to accept we live in an oven. But temps in Sedona and Flagstaff are supposed to be 20-30 degrees cooler than Phoenix. It's a welcome reprieve from the 110 degrees we've been baking in.

5. Catch up: There are so many topics I need to blog about. LeBron James' ridiculous hour-long special and the latest tunes that have found a home in my iPod come to mind.

[Source]

My nephew, the little man

It breaks my heart to be so far away from Liam Patrick, but I'm thrilled he is growing into such a happy little person. I can't believe he's already five months old. And that also means we've been in Phoenix for that long as LP was born the day before we left California for Arizona.

His mother and father [my brother] send me pictures and videos, which help since I can't be there to watch his personality develop. And as you can see below, the future Cougar is quite the character.

Exploring Arizona: Taking the long way

The extended weekend gave us a chance to explore our new-ish homeland. The first stop on our adventure was Fossil Creek. As you may remember, this amazing water wonderland has been on the to-see list for a few weeks now. Proving my theory that most dirt roads lead to good things, Fossil Creek didn't disappoint. Awaiting those brave enough to make the 21-mile trek down the primitive path is a swimming hole straight out of a movie. Except this is a beautiful, real-life oasis in the wild.

From top left: Roosevelt Lake in the morning; Comfort and Cougar pride on the bank of Fossil Creek; The beginning of the dirt road to Fossil Creek; Me cooling off in Fossil Creek; Pretty rocks on the way up to Fossil Creek; desert blooms on the way to Fossil Creek; A cluster of cactus on the drive up to Fossil Creek; The fiance hanging out by the tent at our Roosevelt Lake campsite.

We spent Saturday night at Homestead, one of the campsites strewn along the creek, with the throngs of other people drawn to the natural playground. Surprisingly, the area was super busy. They're not scared off by dirt roads here in Arizona, apparently.

There were three levels to the campground, and we paid the price for arriving Saturday afternoon. The first and second levels, which were basically next to the creek, were full. So we set up our tent in the third level. Still it was only a short walk to the water. The fiance and I hung out under the stars, which looked like sparkly confetti in the sky, and then went for a dip in the creek in the dark. Being surrounded by the lush trees, grass and warm water was the perfect start to the holiday.

We packed up camp at about 9 in the a.m. on the Fourth of July and continued down the dirt road, not really knowing what to expect next. There were a couple areas along the creek where people were already swimming. We spotted a "Day-Use Only" sign and decided to check it out. And what we saw next took my breath away.

 

We had the entire spot to ourselves, too. But that didn't last for long. And within a few hours, it was packed. We spent the day enjoying the amazing area with lunch, a few brews, the floaty and some new friends.

Even though we didn't want to leave, we went in search of more campgrounds on the other side of the trailhead down to the waterfall part of the creek. An assent 4,500 feet up on a windy, sometimes one-lane gravel road is not for the faint of heart. And after all that, we found out there were no campgrounds on the other side. Not really wanting to go back down the sketchy road, we decided to postpone the four-mile hike to the waterfall until next time.

With no destination in mind, we broke out the map and looked for another campground to call our temporary home. We investigated a few spots deemed recreation areas, but they weren't what we had in mind. 

Forging on, this adventure-seeking duo headed down the highway an hour southeast to Roosevelt Lake, which appeared to have an abundance of campsites and opportunities for swimming. And it did, to a certain extent. But it's the type of place that is better suited for boating. The fiance said if we do bring our boat down from Washington, this would be the place to house it.

Unbeknown to us, we needed a "Tonto Pass" to stay at the campsites along the lake. Luckily, local businesses sell them for $6. After acquiring our pass from Boston's Lake House Grill, we settled in and enjoyed the sunset over the lake. Fireworks not included.

The 95-degree temp at bedtime made it difficult to sleep, and after two hours of tossing and turning, the fiance had a plan to combat the oven-like conditions in the tent. He took his last pair of clean socks and dunked them in the cooler. Instant wet rags for our foreheads.

The next morning we packed up and headed to a swimming area on the lake. We spent about an hour cooling off and made our way to the Tonto National Monument. There's an option to hike to Tonto's cliff dwellings, but we'll, hopefully, do that at a later date. The last stop on our tour of Roosevelt was Boston's Lake House Grill for lunch. I highly recommend the Green Monster Burger. You won't be sorry.

The conclusion of our road trip included getting pulled over by an Arizona State Patrolman. Apparently, we missed the speed-limit reduction sign and were going 13 miles over. The dude was pretty understanding after we explained we thought the speed limit was 55, not 45, thus somewhat justifying our 58 miles per hour speed. He issued us a warning and needless to say, we vigilantly watched our speed back through the East Valley into Phoenix.

What was supposed to be a trip to Fossil Creek and back turned into a 350-mile expedition. Despite not seeing much after Roosevelt Lake, we can now check a portion of Central Arizona off the travel to-see list. Taking the long way sometimes does have its perks.

Five for Friday: Independence Day edition

Break out those flags, friends. Welcome to the Fourth of July edition of Five for Friday. As expected, my five revolve around getting outdoors and enjoying one of my favorite holidays. I'm thankful for the freedom to spend it how I want, considering I've had to work the past few 07.04's.

1. Explore: We planned to spend the weekend on the boat in the Tri-Cities, but, unfortunately, it didn't work out. Staying local means the opportunity to visit new places in Arizona, though.

2. Camp: Destination to be determined. But this is the leading candidate.

3. Celebrate: Hopefully, that will include seeing some fireworks, but with the scorching temps and oh, the fact that even sparklers are illegal here, I'm not holding my breath.

4. Soak up the sun: Since it'll be in the low-to-mid 100s, my exposure time definitely will be in moderation.

5. Relax: I'm picturing water, a floaty and a brew with the fiance in my near future.

However you're celebrating independence, may it be fun, safe and with the ones you cherish.

[source]

Save the date ... DIY style

A little somethin', somethin' I came up with today. I'm totally new at this, so don't be too harsh. I plan on making many more until it's a save the date the fiance and I both love. And, obviously, we need to pick a venue and set a date to be saved first, but this will be a fun project in the meantime.