RyMo's Guide to all things Good

2011-09-30T21:56:00.001-07:00

this blog has permanently moved to www.theguidetogood.com
come on over!

Short Film Festival - This Week Only!

2011-09-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

Fall is in the air. The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, and days are growing shorter. Which means only one thing:

Time for the annual Manhattan International Film Festival!!

Over the span of one week, a program of 10 short films are shown in 250 cities across 6 continents to over 100,000 people. At each screening, the audience votes on their favorite and the winner is unveiled in NYC at the end of the week.

One interesting, and sometimes frustrating aspect of the Festival is that each program only runs for one day in each of the theaters. And since the festival isn't exactly backed by Hollywood, the theaters tend to be in smaller, more obscure locations. In other words, this will not be showing at your neighborhood multiplex. In my opinion, this makes the experience all the better because you end up getting to check out these quirky little theaters that are (often) short on seating, but large on personality and you get to share them with people who are genuinely excited about film. But you do have to work for it a bit more. For instance in the Seattle area the options are:

1. Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island
2. Drive to West Seattle
3. Drive to Kirkland

Now, normally I would opt for any excuse to ride a ferry across the beautiful Elliot Bay. However, the one-time-only-screening was this past weekend. Same is true for West Seattle. So, it looks like I'll be driving to Kirkland Saturday night.

Why would I go to such lengths you may wonder? Well, it is because it simply never fails to be an entertaining, thought-provoking, highly enjoyable evening. The films are from all over the world are typically a great mix comedy, drama, and documentaries. They focus on a variety of themes and cultures and it's really fun to see the world through someone else's eyes for a bit. Also, good short films are built upon good story telling since there's no time to waste. This translates into high entertainment value for you the viewer.

Remember, it's one night only, so check your city now!
-San Francisco is tonight!
-Tucson is Thursday
-Ann Arbor is Thursday
-Kirkland Saturday
-Tangier, Morocco is Sunday

Find your venue here.

Here are the 10 finalists:
Manhattanshort Finalists

"That Passeth All Understanding"

2011-09-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

"... That Passeth All Understanding"
by Denise Levertov

An awe so quiet
I don't know where it began

A gratitude
had begun
to sing in me.

Was there
some moment
dividing
song from no song?

When does dewfall begin?

When does night
fold its arms over our hearts
to cherish them?

When is daybreak?

(thanks to Josh Jeter for showing me this poem)

Food Cart Rodeo Rundown

2011-09-22T00:42:00.000-07:00

Last saturday was the much ballyhooed foot cart fest know as the Mobile Food Rodeo.

Though there were no rodeo clowns, food cart barrel races, and precious few cowboy boots. There were haybails, a country western band, and a big circle of foodcarts waiting to be wrangled.

Here’s my round up of the best:

The Box on Wheels was without a doubt my favorite new find that is still making my taste buds sizzle at its mere mention.

The Box was the last stop on demanding round of food card sampling, which makes the this delectable little dish all the more remarkable. By this time I really was not hungry. Nor should ANYTHING have tasted good to my over-satiated body at this point.

Still, I had a $3 voucher to spend and I could not stop thinking about the bowls of crisp, chicken-y goodness I saw wandering around the rodeo.

So I walked up, slapped my ticket down on the counter along with a couple bucks, ordered the Chicken Karaage Bowl, and was rewarded with what enough goodness to ensure the beginning of a long and glorious love affair of flavor.

The chicken was moist, tender, with a touch of crisp on the outside. The sauce was divine: a hint of citrus, creating a savory-sweet swaddling of flavor on this perfectly done chicken.

I could not stop eating it.

And neither could my eating companion Eric.

Mind you neither of us were hungry.

Yet we were so compelled to savor every bit of this chicken-powered goodness that we sat in the backseat of his car, bowl of chicken between us, as Becca, Eric's gracious wife drove us home. It’s true. I know this sounds a bit dramatic, but it is what really happened. Ask Becca, she’ll tell you.

The only downside (for me) about the Box, is that they are in Kirkland and I am in Seattle. This may mean a long lunch commute for me or (hopefully) the rumored in-the-works-Seattle cart will get here soon.

I'll be the first in line.

Also getting high marks were:

ULA burger from Portland’s Happy Grillmore

The cuban sandwich from the newcomer Snout & Co

And the pesto, mushroom, onion? pizza from Veraci.

Getting medium marks was the Catfish Poboy from WhereyouatMatt. Good quality and tasty, though the proportion of bread to filling seemed a bit high, especially for the $9 price.

Big smile, little value.

Getting low marks on the evening was the slider from The Bistro Box. Never has freerange beef, bacon and cheese tasted so dry. And small! For $5, that’s more than a dollar per bite. Take me back to the Box!

Splitscreen: A Love Story

2011-09-18T22:52:00.000-07:00

Splitscreen: A Love Story from JW Griffiths on Vimeo.

This is cool for the following reasons:

I love Europe
and clouds in my coffee
and trains
and moody piano-driven music
and bridges
and airplanes
and clouds
and sunsets
and short films
and love stories.

And as if this isn't cool enough already, apparently it was all shot using a mobile phone.

Buy Your Tickets TODAY for the Mobile Food Rodeo

2011-09-16T14:12:00.000-07:00

Buy your tickets TODAY for the Seattle Mobile Food Truck Rodeo!!

Why you ask?

Well let me tell you.

If you buy them now, you get the entry ticket for $8.50 (after fees), plus you get a $3.00 voucher good at any of the food trucks.

However, if you just show up tomorrow you have to pay $10.00 and you don't get any voucher!

Need I say more? Ok maybe I do. Because why should someone have to pay to go to a food truck?

Mobilefoodrodeo.com has your answer:

"This isn’t just a parking lot full of great food trucks, it’s an experience with live music, live art, contests, tons of hay barrels, cowboy hats and even a Trophy Cupcake eating contest!!

But, this is still 100 % about the best mobile food in town. So enough of the build up already….We are introducing some seriously tasty signature dishes to keep your taste buds salivating at this Mobile Food Rodeo. Think you’ve tried them? Well you haven’t, as these prized dishes set to debut for the the very first time as part of the Seattle Met’s Wagon Awards competition.

That’s right! The Mobile Food Rodeo is the ONLY place to get your hands on these dishes! Our favorite mobile food trucks are cooking up brand new signature dishes for the Wagon Awards this year to be judges by our guest judges and audiences. That right!"

Music, art, cowboy hats, cupcakes and new dishes! Ok I'm done.

Buy Food Truck Tix Here

Something to Brighten Your Day.

2011-09-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

This is Good with a capital G.

This idea get high marks for:

-simplicity
-use of existing materials
-improving people's everyday life
-low cost
-being awesome.

The Ace Hotel: Portland. Put An Elk on It!

2011-09-08T22:39:00.000-07:00

Traveling with my job, I’ve stayed in my fair share of hotels. For too long I ran the circuit of the big name hotels, lured by points, priority check-in (who cares?), and the coveted sliver, ahem, excuse me, platinum card that comes in the mail every year, telling me I am important and am not home that much.

Well I’m here to tell you it’s all a sham.

No matter what you pay at these chain hotels (I’m talking Marriott, Hilton, H.I. Express, Hyatt and the like), you get: a lobby with stuffed chairs and a blah, if upscale feel, expensive parking, expensive breakfast. For your $150-$200+ you get a room that looks basically the same no matter if you are in Seattle, San Francisco, Hong Kong or Indianapolis. I mean really. It’s just a shoebox with nice bed, a big TV and a stark, functional, but characterless bathroom. These hotels are generally funded by developers looking to get as much money out of a plot of land as possible, with no regard for the locality they inhabit. Had enough of this discussion? So have I. In fact, I’ve had enough of these places in general.

Now try this on for size.

Rooms with character. Each room is a bit different. Some have murals. My current room has one wall papered in an old dictionary.
The ceilings are tall, the floors are wood.
A sweet elk on my “Portland” bedspread. Put on Elk on it!
A clawfoot bathtub.
Wooden floors that delightfully squeak as you walk up the stars or step into your room.
Record Players (in some rooms)
Custom soap and bath products. (Have you tried the cilantro conditioner?! I could drink that stuff.)
Stumptown Coffee in the Lobby. Let me repeat. Stumptown. Lobby.
A photobooth in the Lobby.
Clyde Commons, the restaurant attached to the hotel, is the sort of place you'd actually want to go on a Friday night and you'd actually want to eat the food.
Oh, and did I mention it’s the same cost or cheaper than the big chains?

The lobby is hip beyond all imagining. I feel like I’ve stepped into a set for “America’s Next Top Hipster.” You really feel out of place unless you have multiple tattoos and/or piercing, and look like you don't give a damn. It’s kinda ridiculous really, but kinda fun too. Explore your inner skinny jeans.

The breakfast is reasonably priced ($8), delicious and healthy too. The guy working it said he got all the fruit today from the Farmer’s Market. How very Portland. Wherever it was from it was delicious. Blackberries, peaches, blueberries, cherries cheeses, toast with Nutella, pastries, yogurt, etc, etc, and (of course), Stumptown Coffee. All in a nifty little breakfast room with communal wooden table with copies of the New York Times, or a window seat by the little roof-top herb garden.

Have you ever seen an herb garden at the Hilton? I think not.

And maybe the best part, Powell’s is a block away.

1 Reel Film Festival or What I Would Be Doing This Weekend if I Were Around Seattle

2011-09-02T23:21:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving town this weekend.

But if I weren't, this is what I'd be doing:

1 Reel Film Festival
http://www.siff.net/cinema/seriesDetail.aspx?FID=244

SIFF Cinema is using Bumbershoot as excuse to have a little mini-fest.
This is good news to you loyal reader because you get to experience some of the best short films from around the world.

Top Picks would be:

-Best of SIFF Audience Choice Shorts at 4:30pm on Sunday.
-Astonishing Tales, Sunday at 7:00pm
-Around the World in 50min, Monday at 1:00pm.
-Cupid Attack, Sunday at 2:00pm

Really you can't go wrong. Just go.

What to do this Weekend: Fireworks in Vancouver

2010-07-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been posting much these days, but not due to lack of Good things to talk about. In fact, there's been so much Good that there hasn't been room for much else.

However, there's something so good that if I don't tell you about it, then this blog is pretty much worthless. So pay attention:

I you are ANYWHERE close to Vancouver, BC this Saturday you need to get in your car and drive. Even if you need to fly in it would be worth it. Why? Because the weather looks like it will be perfect for an evening of FIREWORKS over the bay in front of Vancouver. Every summer there is something in Vancouver called The Celebration of Light and countries compete to give all who care to watch the best show around.

This Saturday at 10pm is the final night. China (who first developed fireworks) is set to close out this, the 20th anniversary of the festival.

Picture yourself basking in the sun, by the ocean, with mountain in the distance, hundreds of boats in the harbor and delicious food in your belly. You're enjoying all the interesting people passing by, the elaborate picnics, the smells of food and the sound of languages from around the world. This is Vancouver on such a night as this Saturday.

Trust me, as one who was there last weekend, there is no better place to be (maybe anywhere) on a summer's night. I seriously, without question would be there again, but can't since I'm out of town for a friends wedding. I'm begging you, go there for me.

Cookie from Heaven

2010-05-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

I just had the best cookie of my life.

Maybe my blood sugar was out of whack and the cookie hit that needed sweet spot. Or maybe it was the crack cocaine they put in this thing, but I'm telling you it was out-of-control good. So good in fact that I may never be able to enter Macrina's again with out eating one. And for only $2, how can one NOT justify the buying the best cookie of one's life?

So you're probably wondering, "what kind of cookie was this?" Well let me tell you. It was a ginger-molasses cookie sent from the heaven. It wasn't too gingery, it was nice and sweet, with a touch of salty(?) something to balance it out. And then there was the texture. It was this glorious soft, yet chewy combo with slight hint of crispiness only around the edges. It was just perfect. Go get one. Now.

View Guide to Good in a larger map

Times They are a-Changing

2010-03-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

It seems like lots of people are fond of dismissing Apple's new iPad as a larger iphone that seems pointless. However, by and large these people haven't actually seen what it can do and/or lack the imagination to understand the potential this thing holds. I think the iPad's strength lies in its flexibility and availability for developers to create new content. At this point there's stuff it's going to do that we haven't the foggiest notion of. We're in the midst of a profound shift in the way humans are relating to their world and the iPad is part of this. This video gives a fascinating glimpse into this potential, especially its effects on print media:

VIV Mag Featurette: A Digital Magazine Motion Cover and Feature for the iPad from Alexx Henry on Vimeo.

YikeBike!

2010-03-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

Yikes! this is AMAZING. I want one, I need one. I wonder if it will make it up and down the Queen Anne hills I live on top of? At around $5,000 I better get saving. But seriously, this is cool.

Watch the YikeBike in action here

The Best Thing I've Seen Since the Last Time I Watched It

2010-03-03T11:48:00.000-08:00

Just Go

2010-02-23T14:08:00.000-08:00

Clear your calendar and do it quick! Because you've got from now until Thursday (2-25) to catch the best short films of the year in the theater. These films only show for one week and I'm late in giving you the heads up on it.

They are only playing at select theaters to the easiest thing to do is Google "Academy Nominated Shorts" in your local area and see you get.

They show two programs: One for Live Action another for Animated. Both promise to be an entertaining combination of humor, wit, soul-searching and creativity.

Seriously, don't miss this! You'll be the same if you do.

Official Website with Trailer

Madame K's Pizza

2010-01-28T22:12:00.000-08:00

I love deep dish pizza, so I went looking for something in Seattle to hit that deep dish void in my tummy.

Madame K's in Ballard:
Atmosphere: 9 It was the best part of the experience. Unique "brothel" atmosphere. Recessed window seat, fun part of town, white lights, great view of street, could lean my chair back against the wall
Pizza overall: 5 As my housemate Steve summarized it, "Underwhelming."
Not that is was terrible actually. I didn't feel like I got totally ripped off- but I also am not excited to go back.
Sauce: 4. Slightly strange taste, too much oregano?
Crust: 2. It was dry, wasn't very flavorful.
Topping/Cheese: 5. Not bad. Just not enough of them and nothing jumping out.

The search continues.

Sea Wolf = Good.

2010-01-26T11:22:00.000-08:00

White Water, White Bloom - Sea...

I'm high on this album. This doesn't happen all the time. It's worth a listen I promise.

Also, as an added bonus, Sea Wolf is touring right now. So, for instance, if you live in Seattle, you can go watch them play at Neumos with The Album Leaf on Sat Feb 6th. I'll be there. You should come too.

Some Musical Opinions

2009-12-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

Albums that hold a special place in my heart (and you should probably listen to if you haven't already):

Arcade Fire- Funeral

The National- Boxer

Don Chaffer- You Were at the Time for Love

U2-Achtung Baby

Sun Kil Moon, Ghosts of the Great Highway

Sufjan Stevens- Michigan Neil Young- Harvest

John Vanderslice- Pixel Revolt

Pedro the Lion- It's Hard to Find a Friend

Over the Rhine- Ohio

All the Jeter Mixes

Counting Crows- August and Everything After

Wilco- Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Peter Bjorn and John- Writer's Block

Best Christmas Light Display Ever

2009-11-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

2009-10-27T23:54:00.000-07:00

The Gospel According to Helena

Damn
She loves to sing
She knows she may not even be that good
What does it mean when somebody
Loves to do something
So much
She
Doesn't care
Whether or not
It makes any sense to the world

What does it mean when somebody
Does something just because
It makes her feel more alive
Opens her eyes

What does it mean when somebody
Does something just because
She's missing God
And wonders if she always will

She must know that all good songs
Are a form of prayer

Copyright 2007, Linford Detweiler (of Over the Rhine)

Rainy Day Music: Ghosts of the Great Highway

2009-10-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

"Ghosts of the Great Highway" by Sun Kil Moon sounds particularly good on this rainy Seattle morning. This is an album that doesn't beat you over the head with pop simplicity, but instead quietly slips in the side door of your brain with its poignant, haunting, well crafted bits of musical complexity. Definitely one of my favorites of the last year or so. Josh Jeter, thanks once again for showing me the musical light.

Buy it on iTunes

p.s. Also a great album for studying/reading. It's hard to find these after all.

Red Mill Burger should be called Red Mill Onion Ring

2009-10-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

Burger, Cheese, Bun and Bacon comes together in a special way at Red Mill Burger. It’s currently on my short list of best burgers in Seattle. While the burgers are really great here, it’s in the onion rings that real magic happens.

I repeat. Don’t go to Red Mill without trying the onion rings. I, who don’t consider myself to be a big onion ring fan in general, can’t get enough of these things. Why? Unlike most onion rings that are more bready batter than onion, Red Mill serves them up huge hot crispy rings accented with a crumbly corn meal batter. This spin on the usual onion ring equation results in a deep fried goodness is a crispy, flavorful onion experience that nicely compliments the still present onion taste instead of overwhelming it like your standard onion ring does.

-Watch for the huge pile of pre-cooked bacon stacked next to the grill.
-Their lemonade is pretty good.
-In the Phinney Ridge location, look for the hand written noted that a kid sent Red Mill. It’s pretty darn cute. Sadly, I heard the same kid went into coronary arrest at age 17. (kidding)
-I always get the blue cheese and bacon burger. It’s very good. I can’t attest to the rest but I’m sure their tasty too.
-cash only
-closed Mondays

A Poem for Summer

2009-08-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

"The Summer Day"
by Mary Oliver

Who made the World?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean-
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

Steak. Sauce. Bun. Genius.

2009-08-03T16:02:00.000-07:00

This is one of the best sandwiches in the world.  I’m not kidding.

Hundreds of people every day will attest to the goodness found here by happily slapping down their $8.00. They stand in line, they fight for a seat, they crowd around the counter, eagerly awaiting their number to be call- all to get just a few bites bites of sandwich perfection.

It’s power is in its simplicity. Thinly sliced, tender, juicy trip-tip between a bun that’s soft and garlicy yet has just a touch of crispiness to add texture to the experiece. Add just the right amount (not too much) of sweet bbq sauce and you’re there: sandwich heaven.

Steak. Sauce. Bun. Simple, yet oh so profound. The Firestone Trip-tip sandwich is truly more than the sum of it’s parts.

-Here’s the official Guide To Good version for the optimal Firestone experience. Deviate from this at your own risk:

-Get there early- say 5:30p to avoid the dinner rush and the semi-ridiculously long line.
-Find someone to split your order with. Then order the following:
-Trip Tip Sandwich
-Side of fries ( not the basket unless you’re a very big eater)
-Steak Cobb salad. You’re call on the dressing. I like the ranch or the vinigerette.
-A glass of Mountain Dew to wash it all down. There’s something about the combo of the salty that nicely compliments the sweetness of the classic Mt. Dew.
-When you pick up your order, ask them for a side of BBQ sauce to dip your fries and sandwich in.
-Thank me later for one of the best meals of your life.

View Guide to Good in a larger map

Out on a Limb: The Best Coffee in Seattle

2009-06-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

I know I'm going out on a limb here, but I’ve discovered the best coffee in Seattle. In a city filled with cafes staffed by baristas who take coffee extremely seriously Stumptown Coffee coffee rises above the rest like the crema to the top of an espresso shot.

I’m not saying they have the best espresso, or the best latte or even the best atmosphere. But they do have, hands down, the best damn coffee in Seattle. This is because when you order a regular cup of coffee you’ll get only coffee brewed in a french press; none of this drip coffee drivel. If you’ve never had coffee made with french press you really need to.

I’ve come up with a few things to help give you a sense of how dramatically different it is to taste french press coffee done right compared to drip coffee (by definition mediocre).

Taco Bell compared to authentic Mexican food.

Bud Light to a quality, sweet, dark beer

A postcard of a Van Gogh painting vs seeing one in person

Watching a kiss vs actually kissing

A few tips:

Take it black. Let it sit on your tongue and sparkle and shine. French press coffee (when done correctly) tends to have a lighter feel on your tongue that blooms into a complexity of flavor you won’t find in traditional drip. This method also leaves more of the coffee’s natural oils intact. Also, as your coffee cools in its cup you’ll find that the flavor profiles grow more and more complex and yummy.

So sit back, grab one of the thick, heavy ceramic mugs Stumptown gives you and savor a leisurely walk down a meandering side street of coffee goodness. And don’t worry if you’re left wanting more. Refills are only $0.55 cents after tax.

View

Polariod Perfection

2009-06-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

In need of something interesting to kill some time on your oh-so-exciting Monday? Look no further.

The New York Times posted a really amazing collection of polariod pics that readers submitted from around the world. Watch out though. You just might get lost in these beautiful, intimate little glimpses of people's lives- all captured in a tiny little square of instantly developing film.

NY TIMES POLAROID GALLERY

Part of the Story

2009-04-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

Gethsemane

Mary Oliver

The grass never sleeps.
Or the roses.
Nor does the lily have a secret eye that shuts until morning.

Jesus said, wait with me. But the disciples slept.

The cricket has such splendid fringe on its feet,
and it sings, have you noticed, with its whole body,
and heaven knows if it ever sleeps.

Jesus said, wait with me. And maybe the stars did, maybe the
wind wound itself into a silver tree, and didn't move, maybe
the lake far away, where once he walked as on a
blue pavement,
lay still and waited, wild awake.

Oh the dear bodies, slumped and eye-shut, that could not
keep that vigil, how they must have wept,
so utterly human, knowing this too
must be a part of the story.

Bill Murray in "Fact Checkers Unit"

2009-04-09T18:28:00.001-07:00

So for those of you that have been reading this blog, you may have noticed my recent semi-obsession with Film Festivals. Short Film Festivals to be exact. Now, I know a few of you did in fact join me for some of these events and had a ridiculously good time.

For the rest of you I thought it might be an easy way to keep my blog going....err I mean a great chance for me to bring some Goodness into your world with little effort to you. So went looking online for a few of the films I really liked. Sadly, most of them want you by the DVD or actually go and watch the film in the theater. Can you believe the nerve of these people?

However, I did manage to find one of the funnier ones online. A lot of the films (as you might expect) erred toward the melancholy, reflective, and/or slightly disturbing. This film doesn't have much of that, but it will make you chuckle and IT HAS BILL MURRAY IN IT! What more do you need? I love Bill Murray.

Lastly, for those of you are reluctant to click the link and spend 9 minutes of your life on little piece of art, I offer you a final note:

Remember dear reader, I am not the Good, I merely point you towards the Good. So get out there! Watch the short, eat some Thai food, sip some espresso ... and take someone you care about and get out there! Otherwise I am useless to you. Go ahead, it's Thursday night. You shouldn't be on your computer anyway. You should be out there living your life, not reading my blog. Wait, it's Thursday night and I'm on the computer too! Shoot. Well, anyway, watch this short (and don't judge it by the first 43 seconds either, keep watching):

Bill Murray in FCU: Fact Checkers Unit from Bill Murray

Wedding Poem for the Wedding Season

2009-04-05T13:24:00.001-07:00

Well, I guess the wedding season is off and running. Friends and foes of mine all over the country are tying the knot. I went to a wedding last night here in Tucson and I have 2 more in the next 3 weeks to hit; one in Portland and the other in Carmel. Then another wedding in Tucson before my little brother gets married in North Carolina in June! Whew. I better get my dance moves tuned up!

Luckily, I like weddings.

Food, folks and fun- just like McDonald's used to say! ha. But besides seeing old friends, the music, the food and (hopefully) free alcohol, it's of course the bride and groom that really matter. I like hearing the stories involved. The really good ones have a healthy mixture of humor, heartache, cheesy love and redemption. I like seeing the families and all their beautifully awkward attempts at trying to bring two people together. And of course bearing witness to those classic moments: seeing the groom's face when the bride walks in, the exchanging of vows, the triumphant walk out...

So whether you're a cynic or a romantic,
single or married,
or wishing your were on the other side of the fence,
here's a poem that'll give you some food for thought this wedding season:

Wedding Poem
For Schele and Phil
by Bill Holm

A marriage is risky business these days
Says some old and prudent voice inside.
We don't need twenty children anymore
To keep the family line alive,
Or gather up the hay before the rain.
No law demands respectability.
Love can arrive without certificate or cash.
History and experience both make clear
That men and women do not hear
The music of the world in the same key,
Rather rolling dissonances doomed to clash.

So what is left to justify a marriage?
Maybe only the hunch that half the world
Will ever be present in any room
With just a single pair of eyes to see it.
Whatever is invisible to one
Is to the other an enormous golden lion
Calm and sleeping in the easy chair.
After many years, if things go right
Both lion and emptiness are always there;
The one never true without the other.

But the dark secret of the ones long married,
A pleasure never mentioned to the young,
Is the sweet heat made from two bodies in a bed
Curled together on a winter night,
The smell of the other always in the quilt,
The hand set quietly on the other's flank
That carries news from another world
Light-years away from the one inside
That you always thought you inhabited alone.
The heat in that hand could melt a stone.

(thanks to Crystal at Poetry Mix Tape for the tip on this poem)

April Fools from Gmail

2009-04-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

Get it while it lasts here.

Herkimer means Awesome

2009-04-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

Snow falls outside the window in front of me. I sit on my little stool facing the sky and its calming beauty. Between me and the snow sits one of the best shots of espresso the world has ever seen. It’s warm and carmelly and has a hint of sweetness that balances the otherwise earthy richness of the coffee flavor. There’s no hint of bitterness. And unlike espressos of lesser quality that are usually flat in their flavor profiles, this shot has a complexity of flavor that hits all the good places on your tongue and leaves wanting more and if that’s not enough, Herkimer gives you a small, delicious glass of sparkling water to accompany your espresso. I’ve never seen any other place do this.

Herkimer Coffee is my favorite coffee shop in Seattle.

This should mean a lot since I consider myself an afficionado of not just coffee but coffee shops. Herkimer has the whole package.

Atmosphere/Vibe- 9.5
Espresso quality- 10
Cleanliness- 10
Niceness of Baristas- 8.75
Music they play- 8.23
Good location- 8 (pub across the street, Red Mill Burger down the road)
Roasts own beans- YES
Free WiFi- You bet

This place is everything a coffee shop should be. A few other things that make it great:
-The Barista sings to every word of the Flaming Lips playing on the stereo
-A variety of places to sit for a variety of needs. Stools, boothes, tables. Alone, talking, groups you can do it all
-Clean bathrooms
-If you sit at the right place on a clear day you can see snow capped mountains
-Big windows with nice lighting in the afternoon
-I order and espresso and the barista takes time to ask how it was.
-Rotating art

Sure a lot of coffee shops have at least a few of the above. But this place really is more than the sum of its individual parts. You’ll just have to come and see.

View Guide to Good in a larger map

Back to the Future

2009-03-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

Sadly, this weekend I will be in Seattle.

For those of you who know me, right now you are probably wondering if someone has hijacked my Blogger account and taken me hostage. This is because everyone knows I LOVE Seattle. In fact, I don't think I've ever uttered a single sentence in my fleeting little life which has contained both the words "sadly" and "Seattle."

Until now.

Why? Because one of my fondest childhood movies is playing at the Loft this weekend. Back to the Future graces the silverscreen here in Tucson for 2 nights only. This Friday and Sat nights, 10p, $5. What a steal of a deal!

Back to the Future Highlights (feel free to add your own)
-The Delorean. I still want a car whose doors open upward.
-Flux Capacitor.

-Family slowly fading from photograph.

-Marti playing "Johnny Be Good." I like that song because of him.
-Skate Boarding. Prob responsible for countless broken arms across the world.
-George McFly:" Yes. Yes. I'm George, George McFly. I'm your density. I mean... your destiny."
-At the end of the movie when Marti drives off in the Delorean, then comes BACK. This time with Mr. Garbage on the back on the car, into which he throws a banana peal, AND THEN FLYS OFF! This was ridiculously exciting to me as a kid.
- Add your own

Little Cafe Poco Cosa gets Big Love

2009-03-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

"So where do you wanna go for your Birthday?" my sister asks me. "Anywhere you want."

"Anywhere?" I reply. "How about Switzerland?!"
"No, Silly. For lunch."

Oh.

In a close second to Switzerland is a gem of a place in Tucson called "Little Cafe Poca Cosa."

This is one of those truly unique places that you couldn't make up even if you tried to.
It's a place that's as much about the people as it is about the food.
It's a place where you get a hug (and sometimes a kiss) on your way out the door.
Everything's fresh.
It's all delicious.
It's even pretty healthy. (Great Vegetarian options too!)
If you don't eat all your fruit and veggies that come with your meal, you'll chastised.
And if you don't want to come back after you try this place, I'll call you crazy.

Listen to me now:
*Don't miss the tamales!! I didn't even like tamales until I had them here.
*The daily soup never disappoints
*If you've never had mole (a sauce made with chocolate and chillies) this is a great place to try it!
*The "Half and Half" is a great way to go; you get two pick to of anything on the menu.
*cash only
*M-F for breakfast and lunch only
*GO!

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A Choice to Remember: Short Film Fest!!!

2009-02-10T20:52:00.000-08:00

It's a dark and cold night in Tucson. You're sitting at home, wondering what to do with yourself. "Maybe I'll do some laundry" you say to yourself, or perhaps tackle that Gmail Inbox, or something else equally boring and easily procrastinate-able. I realize a night spent doing something "productive" like this is easy to justify in the moment, especially when it's cold out, you're tired and you think driving 10 min sounds like a long way. But the problem is that by next week, a night like that will merge into the fuzzy gray blank that characterizes most of your mundane life.

Instead, I offer you a choice. A chance to make a decision that will alter your life is a small but memorable way. Months and years from now, you'll look back on this night and remember. You'll be able to point to that night when you laughed seated next to a stranger and a friend, when later, you shed a small tear and wiped it away before anyone could see it. When you saw that one little 5 min film that nailed you and you couldn't stop thinking about....

This could be you.
Or you could just stay at home.
It's up to you.

But as for me I'll be at one of my favorite film events of the entire year. Something I look forward to with such zeal that I alter travel plans and break dates just to be able to go. It's the Academy Nominated Shorts screening at the Loft and it's awesome.
Or if nothing else, way better than what you'd be doing otherwise.

Here's a few other things you can look forward to if you go.
-beer or coffee, pick your pleasure
-pizza on tap
-cheap popcorn
-free smells
-big curtains in front of the screen that roll back when the movie starts
-lots of people that clap after each film shows
-short spans of attention are required to watch SHORTS
-variety
-they're all pretty good cause they're nominated for an Academy Award
-sitting next to me. I know, pretty exciting.

Details:

-2 NIGHTS ONLY!! Wednesday (as in tomorrow!) is the Animated Shorts, Thursday is the Live Action.
-starts at 7:30 each night, but you should get there a bit early
-only $6.00 each night or $10.00 for both. What a bargain!

Loft Cinema Special Events

If you you're not in Tucson find out where the closest screening is to you here:

Event Locations Nationwide

And if i haven't convinced you, check out what others are saying

click here

Godfather Goodness Comes to Tucson

2009-01-21T20:07:00.000-08:00

The Godfather is coming! The Godfather is coming!

Yes, The Godfather Parts I and II are coming to Tucson on the big screen for one special week. It's 8 bucks a pop, or $12 for a double feature:

http://www.loftcinema.com/node/678

I saw the Godfather for the first time a couple years back. For me, it was a movie that lived up to the hype surrounding it. It drips with atmosphere and an exquisite elegance. Characters, plot and cinematography come together to create a richness rarely felt in modern film. IMDB shows The Godfather tied with The Shawshank Redemption for the highest rated movie of all time, while the Godfather Part II stands alone in the number 3 slot. Now you, yes you, (well if you live in Tucson) have a chance to take these masterpieces of film in on the Big Screen!

If you're curious about the rest of the TOP 250: http://www.imdb.com/chart/top

The Simple Americano

2009-01-14T16:42:00.000-08:00

Some (as in me) use the Americano as the yardstick by which to judge a cafe. It's a simple drink, consisting of espresso + hot water. However, it can yield much valuable info about a cafe. You'd think it would be pretty easy to make, but I've found out that there's lots of ways to screw this drink up. Sometimes it's cold, often it's too weak, other times the espresso is bitter. A couple times I had to tell the barista how to make the drink since they didn't know how. (Lord help us all).

Printer's Cafe on California Ave in Palo Alto serves up a GREAT Americano. And they do something that I've never seen anywhere else, yet is a genius move. They give you the espresso, pulled into a mug and then they give you a seperate little pot full of hot water. This enables you, the rightful owner of this delicious Americano, to adjust it's strength to your exact specifications, by adding more or less water to your espresso.

It's brilliant, it's delightful, it's $1.82 after tax.

Now go get one:

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Dim Sum Delights

2008-11-29T20:04:00.000-08:00

It seems to me that few things in life are finer than discovering new foods that are delicious. Such was the case for Peter and I when we tried Dim Sum in Hong Kong. I'd had Dim Sum before- a long time ago I admit- and all I really remember is chicken feet. And chicken feet that tasted weird at that.

Nevertheless, Peter and I decided to give this thing a shot. And holy cow, I'm glad we did! It was an absolute revelation. However, like most good things in life, it took some work to find it. We were looking for a particular place called Maxim's. The guide book put us close, but failed to mention that this restaurant was INSIDE City Hall on the THIRD floor and didn't open until 11am. We managed to walk the entire way around the building before asking a security guard where it was. We then found our way inside and eventually figured out it was upstairs. Only then did we find out it didn't open for another half hour. At this point, I was so hungry that I was about ready to eat my own arm off and was ready to bail on this whole deal. However, Peter wisely suggested that we stay and at least check it out.

A half hour later we sit down and immediately ladies pushing carts piled full of small, piping hot bamboo boxes descend upon us. They open up the little boxes for us, revealing their mysterious and delectable contents. We point, not really knowing at what. She lifts a plate of pale, slimy looking noodle pockets with shrimp inside onto our table and pours two different dark sauces on them. We have nothing left to do but try them. After the first bite, Peter and I look at each other with excited, incredulous grins. This tastes AMAZING! More carts, more little dumplings, more delicious flavors. We even try some fried squid tentacles (which aren't too bad) and continue to stuff ourselves with little bits of Chinese goodness. Pork buns, shrimp pockets, stir fried pork, sesame-covered donuts filled with sweet red bean and tasty tea to wash it all down! And did I mention the views of Hong Kong harbor? Yeah, it was fun.

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Man on Wire

2008-11-10T21:03:00.000-08:00

Maybe this says more about me that it does about the quality of this movie, but the hour and a half that I spent watching this film was one of the best I've spent in recent months. It's funny, it's nostalgic, it's mind-boggling. I didn't want it to end.

I love to go to a movie not really knowing much about it or expecting much and discovering something unexpected and entirely engrossing. If you really trust me, don't read any further and simply go watch the movie entitled "Man on Wire."

If you aren't convinced that this movie is worth your while then consider the fact that "Man on Wire" currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes:

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/man_on_wire/

If you STILL aren't convinced, as a last resort, watch this trailer. It will ruin the surprise of seeing a great movie unveiled to you with no prior knowledge, but at least you'll see it. I don't think anyone can resist after seeing this preview:

http://manonwire.com/

Shoes to Live By

2008-10-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

I love my shoes.

They’ve got style. They’ve got class. They're way comfortable. They're versatile. You can dress em up or dress em down. Pair em with Jeans, wear em with Khakis. It’s all good. No matter how bad your fashion sensibilities are, you can't screw this up. I've had people at work ooggle over them (this is true). I've had people stop me on the street and ask me where they can get a pair (this is a lie, but I bet people wanted to ask).

I’ve had them about 5 months now. They aren’t showing many signs of wear- and I’m really hard on shoes. I once bought a pair of Steve Madden's and just wore them for work. They fell apart after less than six months. $80 bucks down the drain. These on the other hand these are remarkably well built and durable. And did I mention comfortable? When I put them on for the first time I wondered if I'd ever had a pair of shoes before that truly fit me. It's like I'm going to work everyday wearing bathroom slippers.

Seriously guys, (or ladies who have guys that need a new pair of shoes) get these shoes. You won’t regret it. Just hurry. I think I’m gonna go buy another pair before they stop making them or something. I might grab the last pair ever and with it, your last chance to be hip.

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/product_focus.jsp?OPTION=PRODUCT_FOCUS_DISPLAY_HANDLER&catcode=SHOES.SHOES.MENS.CASUAL&style_color=79462-344&ws=

Tucson Eat Yourself

2008-10-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

Well I've been looking forward to it all year and it's finally here. Tucson Meet Yourself. Otherwise know as Tucson Eat Yourself. It's billed as a celebration of the people and culture of Tucson. However, it's really all about the food.

-30 food boothes

-3 stages or entertainment

-50,000 plus people to watch

I'll be one of them. If you can find me Saturday around lunch time I'll buy you a Chicken Satay.

http://www.tucsoneventscalendar.com/cgi-bin/calendar/view.cgi?date=2008-10-10&id=4&event_id=36269

http://www.tucsonmeetyourself.org/

Carve Your own Obama

2008-10-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

Whether you see him as a Savior on Capital Hill...or the most likely candidate to be named the AntiChrist in 2008, you can't deny that Obama fever is sweeping the country. For those of you with a Leftward lean in your gait you might want to check out what is sure to be an exciting new ad campaign for Obama. Which may, in the end, prove to be the grain of sand that tips things Obama's way. *as a disclaimer, my friend Josh Jeter who helped start this site says they aren't making any money off this deal. Just spreading the Obama love.

The Idea: Carve your own pumpkin with catchy Obama related images. And the cool thing is you can download your pick of stencils from their site and then send them your picture with your carved pumpkin and they'll (perhaps) post your photo. You too can reach across the aisle and be a catalyst for "Change" by hosting your own BYOPumpkin party. During an upcoming debate, host a bi-partisan pumpkin carving contest, with a discussion following. Prizes given for best pumpkin etc, Best impersonation, etc.

http://yeswecarve.com/

Thai Tom's. beyond good.

2008-10-04T21:28:00.000-07:00

It always goes the same way for me. I fly into Seattle. I pull my bag from the turnstile, I traverse escalator to rental car, rental car to freeway, freeway to 45^th Ave exit, park, walk, then (finally) Thai Tom’s. I approach the small door, usually there’s a line outside. Inside I sit down at on the small bar stool, my shoulders practically touching the people to either side of me as I squeeze in. I sit a behind the small bar, directly in front of me is the stove. Upon this humble gas stove such delights for the stomach are produced it boggles the mind! The Thai man in front of the stove moves with a flurry and an ease around his small kitchen. He is the miastro, the food his orchestra. You think I’m exaggerating, but it’s true. He employees a man who’s entire job is keep stocked the bins of veggies etc and to catch his used pans which he quickly swaps out with each new dish. Typically he’s furiously working on 4 or 5 dishes at once. Curries, noodles, and vegetables combine is a musical sizzling hiss. The thick aromas of spice and sauce are nearly too much for this hungry stomach to stand. With a flick of his wrist he tosses the contents of a wok into the air; a flame bursts from the stove casting its warmth on my smiling face.

I’m handed a heavy, wooden board that is the menu. I scan through it, knowing whatever I choose will be unbelievably tasty. Do I want a peanut sauce with chicken and vegetables or the Panang curry? Or maybe the Cashew Chicken? But then again the Swimming Rama is out of this world. I look to my right, as a student is using his chop stick to clean literally EVERY SINGLE curry covered rice grain from his bowl. I order. I wait.

And then I eat.

And my nose starts to run from the spice.

And sweat breaks out under my eyes.

And I’m in love…

A few pointers when you go:

-This is no gringo’s spice. They rank from 1 to 5 star of spice and they aren’t kidding around. I’ve gone as high as 9 stars and as low as 2. I’ve finally decided that 3 or 4 stars is plenty spicy while minimizing the price you’ll have to pay later.

-Don’t go with more than 3 people if you want anything approaching a conversation. Best to go alone or with one other person.

-The lines can be long.

-If you want your food fast, call your order in and even during the busiest times, you’ll have a steaming to-go package in 15 to 20 minutes or less.

-Honestly, I’ve never had anything on the menu that isn’t delicious. However, I would say the perfect meal at Thai Tom would be to share two dishes. Make one a peanut based sauce and the other a noodle based stir fry. One of my favorite combos is the Peanut Sauce veg paired with the Cashew Chicken.

-Oh, and cash only.

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KUNG FU HUSTLE

2008-09-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

What is it about that name that immeadiatly causes people to dismiss it? See, like right now, you don't even want to read any further. I've tried to talk at least 27 people into seeing this movie, but NONE of them have. And this, despite my fervent pleas for them to go and immeadiately rent it. I've tried everything I have in my persuasive playbook; phrases like:

"It'll change your life."

"This is the best thing I've seen all year"

"Think awesome, then double it"

"It's funny, it's visually entertaining, a good story AND it has depth"

None of these work. So here's a new strategy: Whatever you do DON'T see this movie when it comes to the Loft this Friday and Saturday night at 10p. It will be a waste of measley $5. You'd be better off spending this on tofu bricks or something. I won't be there. Don't go.

Still I feel a bit vindicated that The Loft is showing as part of their Cult Classic series. I told you so. http://www.loftcinema.com/node/527

Top 5 things they should have called KUNG FU HUSTLE to get people to see it:

1) Batman Returns (as a Kung Fu guy)

2) Sex

3) Donuts and Beer

4) Kung Fu Hustle- The Unrated Version

5) Star Wars Epidsode IV- Kung Fu Strikes Back

Vanagon Love

2008-09-29T21:54:00.000-07:00

What could be more fun than combining two of my great loves in life? Sleeping and Eating you might wonder? Well, this WOULD be amazing, but no, not this time. Instead:

Vanagons

and

Jumpy Pics.

Yes, it's true. And the great thing is that it's not too late for YOU to

1) Buy a Vanagon* (or just find one to take a pic of)

2) Think of something creative to do with a Vanagon.

3) Take picture of this

4) Which, if selected, would cause you to be part of the highly coveted First Annual GoWesty.com Vanagon calendar contest.

http://www.gowesty.com/view_page.php?name=2009%20Calendar%20Contest

5) And if the personal satisfaction of winning this prize isn't enough, you'd also get a $20 gift certificate and a free calendar. Oh yes!

Don't delay, the deadline is midnight (PST) Oct 1!! (I couldn't give you too much of a head start....I want a free calendar after all!)

Here are my own attempts at Vanagon greatness:

Once, Again

2008-09-25T22:35:00.000-07:00

The first time I watched Once, I saw it twice. It's true; I liked it that much. I went to see it with some friends, came out, bought a piece of pizza cause I was hungry, went back in (this time alone) and watch it a second time.

In case you haven't heard, Once is a low budget, musically driven independent film that took Indie Film Land by storm about a year ago. I saw it twice in one sitting, someone I know cried through the whole second half. And not the cry because they can't wait to leave, but the cry because it woke something up in them. The reason they could cry through the whole second half and not get yelled at by the person in front of them is because Once is about 75% music. Because of this, some people have called it a musical. I think this is misleading because it conjures up images of people doing coreographed dancing while singing tunes that are later made into Broadway musicals. (or maybe it's the other way around) In this case, first came movie, now comes concert tour....well actually first came the band, then came the movie starring people from the band who fell in love while making said movie, and now comes their lovebird tour of songs from the movie.

The bottom line is GO SEE THE MOVIE and then GO SEE THEM LIVE! They tour under the name The Swell Season. And the crazy thing is that a great, great band named Iron & Wine is opening for them! Two stellar bands, one moderately expensive price- but a great value nonetheless.

The catch is they're only playing in 5 places in the US and then they go back over to Europe. I happen to live in one of those places(Yay! This is big new for Tucson btw). However, I'll be in Seattle when they're in town (Boo, Hisss. I didn't think I'd ever say that about me being in Seattle).

So all you droves of people in Tucson that follow this blog: Please go for me. You won't regret it.

And if you happen to live in

Austin, Dallas, Albequerque, San Diego or LA,

then count yourself lucky and get to it!

Tour dates and some song samples (start with Falling Slowly for a first taste).

http://www.myspace.com/theswellseason

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lastly, on another note, The Manhattan Film Festival is verified to be great, not only in theory but also in practice! A fun night was had by all.

If you live within an hour of a venue, seriously go to the film fest. It's worth it. (I'm talking to you Jeter)

If cant' make it, you can buy it on DVD here:

http://www.msfilmfest.com/purchase.html

The Manhattan Film Festival. in a city near you. if you're lucky.

2008-09-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

Short Film Festivals are great. Why? Because if the film sucks, just wait a couple minutes and it'll be over. Also, they have the same draw as ordering the Super Sampler at Applebees; you get to sample a little bit of everything and even if you didn't expect it, odds are you'll find something that you love.

Every Short Film Festival I've been to has lead to the following:

-me not sitting at home alone and wondering what to do

-me sitting in the same room with edgy film festival types, which makes me feel like I'm cool

-the smell of popcorn

-feeling uncomfortable by something on screen because I disagreed with it

-me laughing out loud

-feeling like I just found my new favorite little gem of a movie that made me want to live life more fully

-interesting discussions with the people I've gone with

Life doesn't get much better than the above folks. So follow these links below and see what happens.

The Manhattan Film Festival probably already came to a city near you (if it came at all). But if you catch this blog in time, it's worth it.

The Shorts you'll see:

http://www.msfilmfest.com/2008finalists/index.html

Here's some upcoming dates that might be near some of you:

Anchorage 9-25 to 9-28

Santa Monica 9-26

Tucson 9-25

Durango 9-25

Chicago Suburbs 9-27 and 9-28

Ann Arbor 9-27

Montgomery 9-26

NYC 9-28

Lempaut, France 9-26 to 9-28

Buenos Aires TBA

For those of you in Tucson, you better come. What else are you going to do? Really.

The Loft Cinema is our gracious host.

Show starts at 7:30 this Thursday 9-25. I'll be there by 7:15.

Adults: $8:75 Students: $6.50

Oh and order the Pumpkin Ale. It's the beer of the month and quite tasty for only $2.50.

http://www.loftcinema.com/node/471

Venues for the rest of the known world:

http://www.msfilmfest.com/v_confirmed.html

Thought you knew it all at IN-N-OUT?

2008-09-21T23:45:00.000-07:00

try this:

As you're picking up your delicious bit of high calorie goodness from the counter, pause for a moment and request that the nice person with the enormous safety pin give you some hot chilies. Then take them back to your table, peel open the fun little plastic packages they come in, bite into one and squeeze the spicy juice all over your burger. Take a bite of burger. Repeat.

Yes.

I said HOT CHILLIES.

This is remarkable for a few reasons.

-the are delicious

-they are truly hot. i'm serious.

-they are small and yellow

-I'm not sure at this moment how to spell chillies.

-I've been going to IN-N-OUT for years and I NEVER KNEW THIS EXISTED

-It has done the impossible. Made a Double Double Animal Style even BETTER. Maybe twice as good, which is ridiculous. I think I've gained like 6 lbs since discovering these peppers.

P.S. in any other context I would never refer to them as chilis. They are what I would describe as "hot peppers." But somewhere inside the IN-N-OUT top secret bunker, they decided to call them "chillies" (however you spell it) as this is what the register reads when you order them on your burger. That's right, they'll also cut them up and put them on your burger for you.

I'm making myself hungry.