A chasm sits at the end of my feet and I embrace it
In my heart I embrace it
In my mind I carve out space for nothing
While scared of open spaces like open feelings

Shine on bright diamond outside of my shadow
While I disappear at dusk you still sparkle in the moonlight
Yet miss the warmth of my pocket
I miss the comfort of your shape

Seasons take shape primarily through feelings
Eventually brilliantly shattering
Inside a chasm that devours the sound and texture
And I embrace it, in my heart

Pictureplane - "Gothstar"

its been some time

let's see if i can start keeping up with this this.

such a blustery day call for springsteen, highballs, pipe tabacco, and reflection. i suggest writing a song or a short story. watch a true classic, but not before stoking a fire or spiking your hot cocoa

PROMETHEUS' GARDEN Trailer

This is just insanely awesome...

Hobo Clown

by the artist Allison Schulnik [music by Grizzly Bear]

Fever Ray "Seven"

Every video that Karin Dreijer Andersson, mind and voice behind Fever Ray, has accompany her music packs more creepy with each subsequent, albeit always pleasurable punch. Perfect for those drug addled days of your, but still enjoyable in it's own right.
Now If i could have only found a way to see The Knife's Charles Darwin inspired opera...

INLAND EMPIRE closing credits

First time I attempted to watch David Lynch's INLAND EMPIRE, I fell asleep (with very interesting results, I should mention). I woke up just in time for the ending credits sequence. I was confused and delusional, and that perhaps contributed to how captivated I was by it. Regardless, I watch it every once and a while now, and still love it just the same.

Jan Von Holleben

This set of pictures, collectively called Dreams Of Flying, are both pretty amazing and aptly titled. We don't have to abandon the whimsical imagination of our childhood. Parhaps we channel it differently, through these pictures for instance, but it never should be left behind.

RIP Ellie Greenwich

Ellie Greenwich was a prominant and seminal figure in 60's pop music as a creative mind behind such hits as "Be My Baby", "Then He Kissed Me", "Do Da Ron Ron", and one of my personal childhood favorites, "Leader Of The Pack".



When I was younger, this song played soundtrack to numerous daydreams. We listened to the local oldies station more than anything else, and I became familiar with some particular artists over time due to the lack of imagination on the part of whoever decides what gets played on those stations. There were some gems that stuck, though, and Leader of the Pack was definitely one of them.

Music Go Music

Music Go Music - Live on Face Time - Just Me from music go music on Vimeo.

Can Do

Maira Kalman's blog over at the New York Times,And the Pursuit of Happiness, is one of the more inspiring to read. It is also without a doubt the most aesthetically pleasing to view. Check it out.

Tikki Tikki Tembo

I can't remember the name of the program that I first saw this on. I do know that it was part of a collection of similar animated shorts telling different folk tales from around the world. My parents had just happened to tape it off of Nickelodeon one day along with a bunch of other random shows, and that tape was a constant in the part of my childhood spent in front of the TV. I really wish we still had it as there were some classics on there that my memory hasn't held on to as well as I would have liked. This one has held up pretty well, though.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

If you're looking to get your fix of something fantastically whimsical later on this year, I believe that this will be your best bet/ Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland is looking less than promising, and I am a shameless Gilliam apologist. It also has Tom Waits in it. So, y'know, duh?

where the wild things are featurette

My favorite movie of the year that I have yet to see. I can't tell you how many times I have watched the trailer since it was first posted, but it's definitely been a lot. There are so many unique personalities lending to the creative process that makes manifest this film that my expectations are running unreasonably high. Can't wait.

six organs of admittance - "goodnight"

I feel a spirit of a restless nature swelling up within me lately. My roots no longer find interest in tethering me to this particular patch of soil. An inclination to loaf just as much as to wander. I think it it comes with more sincerity at this age, after sitting idle for so long. The sentiment is well worn, though, nonetheless.

The Green Automobile - Allen Ginsberg

falling behind

will catch up soon

Vintage Sci-Fi/Fantasy book art

For my birthday, which was this last Monday, my friend Jessy gave me a bag full of Ray Brabury paperbacks. I love Ray Bradbury, so this was a lovely gift. I also found myself really loving the cover art for the books...







There's just something so unique and creative about vintage cover art. I wonder if it may have something to do with how, before the digital age of entertainment, books had a very prominent role in our popular culture. That isn't to say that they don't now, but it can be denied that, outside of phenomenon like Harry Potter and that godawful Twilight craze, interest isn't at the levels that it probably was back then.

Anyway, here are a couple of my favorites from recent searches:










( Lots Of Love for this one, ha)

Kee

Interview Project Episode 3- Kee

In The Mood For Love

I can't remember whether it was 2046 or In The Mood For Love that I saw first. I do know that, whatever the order, I came away with a sincere love and appreciation for director Wong Kar-Wai's style and stories. It's nearly impossible to not find yourself caught up in the emotion that seems to fill every frame of his films. It's not really less-is-more when it comes to his visual style, but more of an all-the-right-ingredients feeling. They are films about love that don't beat you over the head with their themes or with heavy-handed narrative that is more often than not employed in American rom-coms. Well, there was My Blueberry Nights, but we'll just say that something was severely lost in the translation there...



Out of all of his films that I have seen, In The Mood For Love has always been my favorite. Every time I watch it, I am hard pressed to single out any aspect of the film that doesn't work for me. Christopher Doyle's cinematography is beautiful with it's subtle flourishes of color, while the simultaneously vulnerable and intense nuances of both Maggie Chueng and Tony Leung Chiu Wai's performances keep you captivated and invested until the end.



Whether or not I was in the mood for love before watching it, there's no question as to where I stand when the credits begin to roll.

Jan Lenica

Jan Lenica (1928-2001) was primarily a Polish poster designer who wrote numerous books and essays on poster art. During the 50's, through a creative relationship with director Walerian Borowczyk, he also dabbled in the world of of experimental cinema, primarily stop animation. The result of that would become a large influence on the works of Jan Švankmajer and Terry Gilliam.

"Ubu and the Great Gidouille"


"Labyrinth"



"Rhinoceros"

Tommie Holiday

InterviewProject Episode 2: Tommie Holiday

You're Going To Die!

Stardust Memories

A brilliant, misanthropic narrative from one of the greatest minds of american cinema, or nothing more than the derivative product inspired by the work of Frederico Fellini and Ingmar Bergman? I have seen 8 1/2 as well as my fair share of Bergman films, and while I can definitely see how comparisons can be drawn, I have more faith in Woody Allen than that. I don't doubt the influence, but I do doubt the notion that he didn't know what he was doing when he made Stardust Memories. It is right up there with Shadows and Fog in terms of my favorite Allen films.

Jess

Interview Project Episode 1: Jess



The first episode in David Lynch's Interview Project series.

Bukharian - Black Ox Orkestar

lest all memory fade like neglected tapestries
the heart consumes resilience like an evergreen
and rises forthwith against the rising tide

casting lots meant to capture unforseen outcomes
the water running forward with belligerent indifference
with intent to whitewash your best perceptions

silence your loquacious concern in favor of survival clarity
stretch your neck as though the trunk of the oldest conifer
breath deep while washed over by the force of the unexpected

"V"

I remember renting some VHS tapes of this show from the Video Choice down the street from where I used to live, as well as from the library from time to time. I don't think that either place had the beginning of the series, so I ended up having to piece together what the hell was going from what I saw. Essentially, its reptilian aliens infiltrating the human race for their own nefarious purposes.



It's too bad humankind has such a substantial inferiority complex so as to instill such distrust and suspicion into our minds regarding any potential galactic neighbors. We're definitely going to have some awkward first impression moments to work through.

So it seems that ABC has decided to remake the series. Remembering back on the time I spent with the original, I can see how certain themes may be considered relevant to our present socio-political environment. I can't help but feel, however, that fueling the distrust level of the American people, if even through metaphorical sci-fi narratives, isn't within our best interest.



I don't know. This concept seems very beaten horse to me at this point. I will definitely end up giving it a shot when it premiers. Hopefully it will surprise me. I almost want it to.

And, I mean, c'mon:


I'll watch pretty much anything Morena Baccarin is in.

also:


Hello Elizabeth Mitchell. So I am assuming from the substantial role that she plays in this show that Juliet is as good as really dead on "Lost". Iiiinteresing...

The Tell Tale Heart

Dir. Ted Parmelee

I guess this was featured as an extra on the Hellboy DVD. I don't own that one (was holding out for coming across the three disc director's cut. never did.), but I thought that was pretty interesting. Can't say as I see a direct relation in terms of aesthetics, but it's consistent with Guillermo Del Toro's love for the macabre. Or perhaps he, like me, just really digs James Mason's voice.

yooouuutuuube!

So this is pretty awesome. I take that back; this is very very awesome. Basically you take the url for any video on youtube, enter it into the home page, and have yourself presented with a feast for your eyes.

For a little more surreality in your life:
http://www.yooouuutuuube.com

Here's some of my favorite experiments so far:
Alice in Wonderland =remix
Fever Ray - "When I Grow Up"
The White Stripes - "Seven Nation Army"

Nothing Special

Dir. Helena Brooks

Cormac's McCarthy's The Road

I remember reading The Road back in 2007. It's no secret that I have an affinity for good post apocalyptic dystopia stories. I make half-assed attempts at my own from time to time, and while you would think spinning that kind of a yarn would be pretty rudimentary in terms of things like theme and setting, and i guess more often than not it is, it is very difficult to get it to resonate beyond stereotypical aesthetics. I got hung up on how "grey" McCarthy's future was, but apart from that I fascinated by the how much emotion was swimming along as an undercurrent to such a simple story. Upon finishing it, I immediately began to read it again out of fear of being left to brood about what I had just experienced.

The film is directed by John Hillcoat, an Australian director that also helmed The Proposition, which I loved. His sense of pacing and atmosphere seem the perfect match for McCarthy's father-son road trip through hell, so I was very excited when I heard the news. I was also very excited to find out that the trailer was finally out for it:



Hm. That's a lot of Charlize Theron. Her character has only a minimal amount of mention in the book, so it's a little disconcerting to see that it's been fleshed out so much for the movie. A lot disconcerting, however, is how derivative this trailer is of many apocalyptic/natural disaster thrillers like The Day After Tomorrow and I am Legend, both of which, for my money, were godawful. I am really hoping that this is more misleading marketing as opposed to a sincere depiction of the direction this film is taking. As a purist, as well as a fan of the source material, my fingers are very tightly crossed. I mean, c'mon, we all saw No Country For Old Men. A loyal and worthwhile adaptation of McCarthy's work can be done. (Just not by Billy Bob Thornton)

DAVID LYNCH PRESENTS INTERVIEW PROJECT from interview project on Vimeo.

I really just want to be this kid again.

i love sarah jane

Box Cat FTW

i was released from jail this morning, really appreciating the little things in life that break up the day to day monotony that weighs down so heavy on our poor misbegotten shoulders.

a good example of said little things would be cat videos on youtube (babies eating pucker-inducing food items and cute things in general falling asleep being very close runners up). more specifically, a good example would be box cat:







i don't know about you, but i cant help but feel a little lighter now.

Overtime by Supinfocom: Jim Henson Trib.
Uploaded by Razorbuzz

The Day's Ration
Ralph Waldo Emerson

When I was born,
From all the seas of strength Fate filled a chalice,
Saying, This be thy portion, child; this chalice,
Less than a lily's, thou shalt daily draw
From my great arteries; nor less, nor more.
All substances the cunning chemist Time
Melts down into that liquor of my life,
Friends, foes, joys, fortunes, beauty, and disgust,
And whether I am angry or content,
Indebted or insulted, loved or hurt,
All he distils into sidereal wine,
And brims my little cup; heedless, alas!
Of all he sheds how little it will hold,
How much runs over on the desert sands.
If a new muse draw me with splendid ray,
And I uplift myself into her heaven,
The needs of the first sight absorb my blood,
And all the following hours of the day
Drag a ridiculous age.
To-day, when friends approach, and every hour
Brings book or starbright scroll of genius,
The tiny cup will hold not a bead more,
And all the costly liquor runs to waste,
Nor gives the jealous time one diamond drop
So to be husbanded for poorer days.
Why need I volumes, if one word suffice?
Why need I galleries, when a pupil's draught
After the master's sketch, fills and o'erfills
My apprehension? Why should I roam,
Who cannot circumnavigate the sea
Of thoughts and things at home, but still adjourn
The nearest matters to another moon?
Why see new men
Who have not understood the old?

"try and meddle, i want you to know what you're meddling with"

Rainbow Arabia's video make me smile until it hurts:

Rainbow Arabia "Let Them Dance" Music Video from Jacqueline Castel on Vimeo.



just biding my time until i have to participate in a chat assignment for my online english class, which seems like such a haphazard idea for an assignment that is worth 75 points. boggles my mind.

but afterwards, i am looking forward to the rest of my morning, which will consist of multigrain cheerios, coffee, and

dance fantasy

When I Grow Up from Fever Ray on Vimeo.

I sense that things are becoming a bit too much for me to handle. Through the motions i mindlessly stroll. The mechanics of this machine are working properly, while the heart and soul look to have abandoned ship some time ago, like animals that can sense natural disasters.

If you look up tired in the dictionary, you will find a picture of my face. This isn't a new development for me. I most likely overuse that word when describing my physical and emotional state of being. It always applies though, and is always the most accurate in terms of description.

I'm sorry. I promise I'll put up something of a far more interesting nature soon.


SCINTILLATION from Xavier Chassaing on Vimeo.

All Blues - Miles Davis

and when the morning comes

can't wait until june...

tell you when to go, i won't

Shame, Who Wouldn't Think It's...

when transient of mind
you have nothing to play sentinel to
emotional output
corresponding with
thoughts as catalyst

these daydreams
when reality falls into a
disheartening, disenfranchised grey...
is it all that you wanted?
it's all you will have left

a nagging doubt
incumbent on my better judgement
too much time passes, leaving possibilities shattered
with their pieces, imitating those of a puzzle
strewn about my peripheral

i walk on

Sun Opens My Eyes - Wavves

I doubt anyone who reads this would be surprised when hearing me talk about how surprised and flustered I am with how much homework I have, what with only three classes. This is the old becoming new for me, and the falling back into it has been difficult. If nothing else, it has proven to be a reinforcement of the notion I have that I am not academically inclined. At least not now, within my current social environment. I am not well trained in the art of balancing work, school, and play. My mind is always want of wandering, and I allow it free reign because it makes me happy, the day-to-day easier to cope with.

My inconsistency with devotion to concentration is the very antithesis of what school requires. I'm not smart that way, never was. There is a certain knack many seem to have in accommodating the system. I am not one of them, and I am alright with that. I have always been alright with that, but I am often taken best of on account of a weak will. As consequence, I let the ideas of other people regarding what is the right and best way to go about something become mine. I undermine my own intuition for the sake of evading quarrel and opposition. To hate confrontation so much that you sacrifice your backbone? This story find it's ready protagonist in yours truly, and it's an awful sad fact.
I would like to think that my ineptitude in that area suggests strengths in others. Of course, here I am fighting a losing battle trying to engage myself in something I don't care about instead of trying to hone in on those areas of potential. This avenue is not suited for me, and it is high time I started searching out the one that is.

Les Preludes - Franz Liszt, Po...

marry me

Lykke Li @ NTBR Part 4 - "Hustlin'" from Drew Innis on Vimeo.


St Vincent: Marry Me from shoottheplayer.com on Vimeo.


Alela Diane "As White As Diamonds" from ristuart on Vimeo.


Rio En Medio - The Umbrella from Eli Stonberg on Vimeo.

female singer-songwriters make up a large portion of my itunes selection these days.

striped pillow cases

it never hurts to try and go about your own way. i feel like continuing with this course of action is nothing more than a slow and steady endeavor towards setting myself up for emotional repose. the world is my funeral parlor, and the roses never smelled as lovely.
but of course, i indulge quick and easy in dramatics.

just as i was saying in conversation with john the other day, i fall prey to cycles. routines comforting in their consistency, and ultimately poison for the soul that yearns for the extraordinary. and you would not believe the amount of time in any given day of my life that is dedicated to daydreams. it's all one can do to keep his sense of wonder when the world provided for you by every over human being is lined with a crippling monotony that is impressively disturbing in it's reach.

all i want from life right now is a quiet place in the oregon hills, a kayak, a bassett hound named bastion, and a vegetable garden.

While You Wait for the Others - Grizzly Bear

Fangela - Here We Go Magic

You Are Lost - Bonnie Prince Billy

truly

oh darling, wouldn't you know it?
we are tantamount to tyranny,
you and i,
in how we come and go, our ebb and flow
through our intersecting perimeters

here's to realigning time and space,
to chance meetings,
lingering glances,
chances, the taking and not taking

except up here,
and this is where he raises his hand
to the side of his head and taps just
above his brow,
up here, i take you anywhere
you want to go