Ike in Ohio

On Sunday afternoon, B and I took Mister M kite-flying. It was nice and windy. "Perfect conditions" I recall commenting.

Little did anyone know just how the rest of the day would unfold. Columbus experienced a mini-dose of Hurricane Ike's wrath, and it was enough to render many folks powerless for days-with a clean up on their hands that qualifies as 'catastrophic' by insurance standards.

Our neighborhood is heavily wooded. I stand corrected: WAS heavily wooded:

I was fascinated by all of it: the color of the sky, the power of the wind, the lack of rain. The sound was thunderous when the enormous limb pierced our sunroom roof (from a tree located on the other side of our home). The +80ft tree that toppled onto our neighbors 2nd floor master bathroom shook our home. The dogs and Mister M were troopers through it all, remarkably.

What did amaze me is how available every service personnel was: firemen, policemen, the plumber, the gas company, the structural engineer guy... arrived in incredibly reasonable time and attentive to everyone's needs. Thank you to all!

Our always gracious and culinary-gifted neighbors, Steve and Sarah, prepared a candlelit feast, as to not waste fresh meat and wine. It was a great culmination to the events of the day/night. And a means to reflect that homes can be fixed, people cannot. Not one neighbor, child, or pet was harmed.

À votre santé!

Had my iPod been charged this would have been the evening's soundtrack:

It's all Gonna Break
Broken Social Scene  (iTunes)
(Again... featuring another BSS tune?!?) But, that is in fact what I kept thinking again and again: Our house is going to break; the gas line is going to break; these trees are going to break; these windows are going to break. We have a lot of large glass windows and the fear of them all shattering had me beyond unnerved. This song captures the pace in which I was thinking these thoughts.

In Front of the House
Human Television   (iTunes)
The willow trees in the front of our home took a beating. Their limbs are twisted, splintered, but they are still standing. Whew- I love those trees.

Through the Backyards
Au Reviore Simone  (iTunes)
A splendid, haunting little ditty. Because we were sans electricity, this tune captures that primitive and adventurous feeling of sneaking about in your neighborhood in the dark.

Jump Around
House of Pain  (iTunes)
Ironically enough, the beloved trampoline (and hammock) remained unscathed. Go figure! Just love this thumpin', thug-lovin' tune. You should too.

Spill the Wine
War   (iTunes)
This gem is chosen because I did just that: I spilled the wine. Oliver, our Golden, was cowering behind me while I was standing in Steve/Sarah's yard reviewing their damage and I tripped backwards over him. But have no fear, not much was spilled. Sign of a champ, eh? ;)


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Then the moon swept down to greet us
It was warm and made of flowers
Into vines that barely reached us
Climbing higher than forever

Baby help me please
In knowing this
'Cause showing never tells
Was it just a breeze
Was it a kiss
Breathless, exquisite chills

- through the backyards

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Rest in Peace, Chef

Sad to report, but Isaac Hayes passed away. I remember the days of Shaft, but loved him most as Chef. And how could you not? His lines and songs are classic! Or more correctly, were classic. I encourage you to take a trip down memory lane via YouTube.

Good stuff, Children. 

Another Chef worth checking out, is Turbo Chef. In a saturated marketplace-where Wolf and Viking reign supreme- Turbo Chef breaks from the mold. The web site, The Oven Reinvented, was designed by Mono/Minneapolis and sets the stage for an immersive digital experience hosted by Master Chef Charlie Trotter (quite an endorsement in and of itself.) Most flash sites use of music and sound effects ruin the experience. Here they are seamless and purposeful. Whether you 'Explore' or 'Cook', you are sure to understand and appreciate the craftsmanship and complexity of this oven. It's pretty magical when a site experience can deliver upon the product promise. Kudos Mono. Finally, if you are curious about inspiration for this oven, check out this  Fast Company article.

Should our beloved Wolf oven ever die (which I highly doubt), a Turbo Chef (in orange, of course) is on deck.

If a highfalutin, fancy pants oven isn't your thing, then feast your eyes on this:  The Baja BBQ Firepack. This eco-friendly buddy is sure to help in a jiff when lighter fluid toxicity just won't do. ;)

In our home, standard operating procedure is that if someone's in the kitchen, great tunes are on. So, enjoy this little culinary-inspired offering I've cooked up for you (pun intended.)

Jake Coco:   Bleu for You

Well here's a heavy dose of angst for you delivered by one amazingly talented guy. Jake Coco is home grown favorite of mine and any of his songs are worth your ears and heart. 

Portugal the Man:    Sugar Cinnamon

I was completely hooked w/in the first 5 secs of this tune-I love the driving beat... the alternating pitches in John Gourley's voice... the undulating tempo. This tune is a regular on my iPod for my workouts.

Johnson Brothers:   Strawberry Letter 23

And now one from the Wayback Machine...

I remember this song from its hay day. Just smooth, mellow and never quite knew what the hell the lyrics meant. But it's all cool, Baby. This was a big roller skating party "couples" song. And if you are laughing, then you totally know what I mean. Remember: your mouth burning from too many fireballs and your crush by your side (maybe even a comb in your back pocket. lol) Good times.

Yo La Tengo:   Cherry Chapstick

Keeping w/teenage crush vibe, I present this gem from YLT. I had an insane obsession w/Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers back in the day (check out this ad from 1979!). Talk about brand awareness at a young age. BB made these lip balms that came tethered and permitted you to 'wear your Smackers' with pride. They were all the rage and I swore I couldn't get enough. Chapstick was never my thing and now I am def more of a Burt's Bees kinda girl.

This tune rocks. Love the intermittent distortion. I was introduced to YLT via their kinder gentler songs. When I heard this song, and when I saw them perform last year, I was shocked how they rocked. Who knew? Now you do. 

Sven Van Hees:   Breakfast with Abductees

This is a fantastic tune to listen to when getting in a Sunday Brunch mind set. Whisking of egg will never seem quite the same.  Bloody's anyone?

Kaki King:  Yellowcake

This song is so gorgeous. Fluid-like, if you will. Like cake batter? That might be a stretch, sorry. But if you are new to Kaki, take the plunge. Her music is most def deelish.

Hooverphonic:   Tuna (not avail on iTunes but many other mp3 sites)

The string arrangement gets me every time. While it's not a high-energy song, I will always run to this when it comes across my iPod. Great pace, great voice. Shades of Cocteau Twins. Dreamy.

Dean + Britta:   Ginger Snaps (not avail on iTunes. So, YouTube it)

Let's end on a dessert, shall we? Ah, that Dean Wareham... sigh. 

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I'm a wayward Tom

I'm a silver streak

And the walls have ears

But the walls don't speak

We're gonna make it after all

- ginger snaps

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Show of Hands, please

( #240 by Scott Drake )

The beauty (and curse, I suppose) of the web is that it brings like-minded folks together. Who could have guessed there'd be a contingent of people who are into hand art--as in, artwork created upon their own paw-- and better, find a venue for displaying all of this work. Enter The Hand Collector. This site is not new by any means, but I frequent it every now and again to see if the movement is still strong. Some of the images submitted are simple doodles, but others have a care and purpose to them that you can't help wondering where this craft will lead some of these contributors. I am not qualified to comment on their destiny but applaud their pursuit.

I like hands. I feel they convey a lot about people. Sure eyes and facial expressions do, but hands... they just say more.  

The Raconteurs:  Hands

This song made me smile when I first heard it. Just love they chose to start w/hands over the other physicalities they list. I mean, there is a reason parents reach for their children's hands constantly: a silent symbol of love + security. I cannot wait to see them at Lolla next weekend.

Her Space Holiday:  Something to do with My Hands

After hearing this song like 4 times, I kept wondering what they meant by sucking "lama prints".

... then I found the lyrics. Oh.

Ohhhhhhhhhhh. (snicker, snicker.)

GREAT lyrics. 

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah:  Five Easy Pieces

A dear bud + I are a wee bit competitive when it comes to bragging rights on new music but it wasn't tough to admit defeat when he introduced me to CYHSY, as they are fantastic. Fantastically different. Newman and I saw them at Lolla last year and I was impressed w/how their sound stayed true in a live concert vs studio. Make a point to see them, if you get the chance.

This tune isn't one of their more popular songs but that's why I like it. I love the droning on and on, and if you put your earphones really, really close to your ears: the acoustic guitar and piano are simply haunting as they weave in and out of the tune. It's the type of song that compels me to put my hand out the window when driving and feel the aerodynamics. Up and down... up and down...

Neko Case:  Hold On, Hold 

This is a tune that I will post about repeatedly, so get used to it. I love Neko and I love this song. I feel like if Johnny Cash were a drag queen, this would be his encore song. lol All the same. It's big. It's robust. Conjurs up bar scenes akin to Urban Cowboy. Sorry Neko: praised you w/Johnny then slammed you w/Debra Winger (at least I didn't bring up Road House. Wait, I just did.... uh, moving on....)

Broken Social Scene:  Handjobs for Holidays

Wow, another BSS tune on the heels of my earlier post. All the same, great song. And I like the title for its shock value as the lyrics never fully bring the title full circle. 

Handshake Drugs:  Wilco

Yippee skippy: gonna see them @ Lolla w/Newman. It will be a treat seeing them w/her as she's a Chicagoan and drunk the kool-aid far before most folks did. B and I got to see them this past fall at the Wexner. Great show albeit we were roughly the oldest folks there (read: all ages show. No adult bevs. Note to self...)

Dave Brubeck Quartet:  Take Five

A must have for anyone's jazz collection. The local So Cal jazz radio station always had this song playing in the background of their Sunday Jazz Brunch promotions so when I hear it now it brings back a warm fuzzy (+salty) feeling of oceanside breakfast(s).

The Long Winters:   Ultimatum

Whoo-boey, this is a sad, sad song. But that's what I love about it. Helps me stay down when I am sad. And you all know what I mean. I've heard both versions of the song and I strongly suggest this acoustic version. More authentic. The power of the lyrics and instruments are better defined. 

In the spirit of full circles, I started w/hand art thus shall end with hand art.

Daft Hands: Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.

Clever. And viral has hell. Hard to pull off.

See... I told you I like hands. ;)

Smoke + Mirrors?

So there we were.

In the "O.C".

Orange County California.

land of:

_ glam + gods

_ sun + sin

_ disney + legoland (which rocked)

We used to live there, and Mister M most certainly tired of hearing B and I recite that fact at every landmark or friend we encountered. He, in his 5 year old-ness, frankly didn't give a rat's ass that, "this was were you were born; here was our old house; here's where we'd have pancakes every Sunday (make note: when in Laguna Beach, Madison Square + Garden Café is a morning must. Especially if you have dogs.)

All in all, a fantastic trip. I love it there. Will post more about the trip's specifics. But right now am reflecting on how thankful for my midwest upbringing. 

Despite that vacation being over, I have Lollapalooza to look forward to. The two bands below will be there and are very much on my hit parade. These two tunes sum up Orange County for a lot of folks. For me? My jury is still out as it's just too easy to buy into stereotypes (although that typed: There was luncheon @ our hotel one day in which Obama was the guest of honor. It cost folks $55k to attend... that cost is not a type-o. ouch.)

MGMT:   Time to Pretend

The National:  Fake Empire

Sum, Sum, Summertime!

One month. Two great birthdays: Our Country's + Mine.

As such, being a child of July, I love this month beyond reason. It's always been chock-full of pageantry and excitement for me.

Best of all, it's about being outside. The sting of a sunburn on your shoulders. About boating, water skiing and trampolines. Firework and fireflies. Convertibles and corn fields. Being waterlogged from pools, lake and sprinklers. And amazing thunderstorms you never want to end. All good.

Enjoy these. Enjoy your holiday. Enjoy your summer.

Galaxie 500:   Fourth of July

That Dean Wareham, what a great buttery voice. Sigh...

Broken Social Scene:  7/4 Shoreline

Just love these guys. Love the ensemble approach. I may be an 'n' of one, but I love Feist w/them more than her being a solo artist. More grit.

Electrelane:   On Parade

A good friend of mine shined me onto this band, and I am ever thankful. They have since disbanded, but that won't stop me from ranting about my love for them. 

Kid Rock:   All Summer Long

YES-Kid Rock. I like this bad boy. I am not ashamed to admit and I LOVE this song due to the video. Sure, I could do w/out all the blonde babes, but all the same, the video aligns w/my concept of summer: 100% pure fun spent outdoors. 

The Shaky Hands:  Summer's Life

Simple tune. And I am total sucker for tunes that have hand-clapping. Strange, agreed. In my mind, I 'see' this song taking place around 4pm... my favorite time of the day. 4pm to sundown. Just a fantastic lazy time of day, especially in the summer.

Rilo Kiley:   With Arms Outstretched

The song is a dusk song, without question. The first 13 seconds sound like fireflies fluttering about. The way it crescendos with the group singing reminds me of being called home when you don't want the night to end...thinking you could never possibly have a day/night as wonderful as the one you just were blessed with. And if you listen closely, you will notice, yup: hand clapping. ;)

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Now some days, they last longer than others

But this day by the lake went too fast

And if you want me

You better speak up, I won't wait

So you better move fast

- with arms outstretched

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Lovely Libations

good grief... my last post was june 8th? OY. Wow, how time flies... ;)

Anyone who follows design, surely has seen this on TheDieLine.com. But for those of you who aren't as design-inclined, yet lovers of the 'vod-ker', will delight in this fantastic specimen, LoveJoy Vodka, designed by ID Branding.

I love the fact that the spirits industry has embraced design w/playfulness (ala Effen vodka, Screw Kappa Napa and Used Automotive Parts wine(s), to cite a few). This whimsical approach completely influences my purchase decision. I have had many a night w/B where we will sample a wine and not like it. Yet I am quick to state,"...but isn't the label design amazing?" And I'll proceed to point out every nuance in the graphics and/or wording. Somehow the coin dropped for these short-lived purchases doesn't seem like such a loss.  

Don't you feel the love for LoveJoy? Yeah, Baby, I sure do.

For your non-drinkers, here's another form of intoxication....

Howlin' Maggie (video):  Alcohol

Back in the day, B + I would go see this band and man,for a skinny front man, Happy Chinchester could command the audience. He projected pure, unadulterated, raw energy. He paraded around on stage in white angel wings far before those Victoria's Secret gals did. Kudos, Happy. I don't have the mp3 of this tune. iTunes has a 'new' video, which barely captures the energy of which I speak. So, the best I can say, is close your eyes and just listen... and feel.

The Why Store: Lack of Water

Columbus has been blessed w/some great local/regional talent. The Why Store hails from Indianapolis and geez louise, the sound and energy they create is simply a whole body experience. What can I say, I am a sucker for a great lead who commands an acoustic guitar (and it doesn't hurt that this lead dude, Chris (I think) looks somewhat like, um, er, oh, ... Jesus. Helps create a following. lol) I will def. post more tunes from them. Mister M loves them..."Mommy put on that water song..." Cute x a ton. 

Kings of Leon:  Arizona

I saw these guys @ Lollapolooza last year and they did not disappoint. This song just makes my skin crawl (in a good way) when he hits those drawn out screechy notes. Nice.

Avett Brothers:  Talk of Indolence

This song is emblematic of how my internal tickings go. On most days, this is the beat in which I operate:getting Mister M ready for the day, designing, working out... just an internal tempo I have been blessed with. When I heard this song and it's ridiculously fun lyrics I thought, "Do these guys know me?" Good times.

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"And I go

Stand up to a giant

Say that I'm a fighter

Too drunk to remember

Too drunk to..."

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Cheers! A votre santé! Salut!

Lost In Space

My virgin voyage into blogging. Guess it's 'bout time: I activated this account in '06.

Early adopter of all things geeky + techno = me. Guilty as charged.
Voyeur of all things web related? Hell yes.

Yet previously reluctant to let the world wide web have a window into MY world.
After seeing so many friends + peers take this plunge successfully, I am now ready.
I mean, fair is fair, right?

Although, who am I kidding? At last inventory, the "Hey Joy" franchise encompassed
:: .mac mail
:: LinkedIn
:: Facebook
:: design:related
:: AIM/Twitter
:: MySpace
:: hype machine / muxtape / iTunes affiliate
:: heyjoy.com

Whether by design or fluke, "Hey Joy" worldwide (web) domination has begun.
If you bother to check out any of the above domains, you will see I have not done
jack w/most of 'em. Baby steps, ya know? ;)

So yes, I AM ready to take the plunge in shape of this blog and share the
madness that is me to the world wide web. God love ya if you read this drivel.
The only guarantee I can make is it will be me: 100%. Unfiltered. Joy.

Good Luck + good reading.
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"lost in space above all drifting..." Aimee Mann
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