Whats with today, today?

Song of the day:

City Middle - The National

The Culprit?

On an old bank statement I found an add which read:

HOME LOAN SALE

Is this evidence of the root of the financial crises? Surely home loans should never be on sale.

My Father's Wisdom

"The trouble with being tall is that you have to deal with short people."

Starfields Vanquish: The Reviews

The up and coming talent

Dickie Drysdale

Fresh from Edinburgh, this new face to St Andrews was totally unknown. In the bubble of music that St Andrews maintains, there are a handful of well known DJs that seem to play all the gigs. Recommended by several people, Dickie Drysdale held several sets at the festival, each one truly exceptional. He was an unknown entity, his musical taste and DJing style totally different to the norm in St Andrews. A mixture of house, electro and breaks, Dickie's set was refreshing and very welcomed. His energetic and charismatic antics on stage won over the crowd and created the perfect party atmosphere, captivating everyone with his skills on the decks. Dickie, a regular on the Edinburgh club circuit, is definitely one to watch out for.





Cristiano Van Zeller

A new comer to the St Andrews event scene, Cristiano hasn't had the same exposure as some of the other student DJs seen at the festival, but none the less he put on a great performance. His style features heavy elements of electro and his personal choice of minimal techno. There are not many DJs in St Andrews who deviate from electro house and whether you think it's good or a bad thing, variation is always highly welcome.

Cristiano holds a residency in Catch Beach Bar, situated at the start of West Sands in St Andrews. Every Thursday he entertains a full venue, playing bass heavy tracks that resonate throughout the two floors of the Ibiza reminiscent beach bar. What the future has in store for Cristiano, only time will tell, maybe he'll follow in the footsteps of previous St Andrews DJs and become a mini celebrity like others before him, notably Rory Mitchell, DJ Weatherbeats and James Matthews; or maybe he'll be content in staying for what is St Andrews deemed as an 'underground DJ'.

James Matthews

Over the past year in St Andrews, there has been one DJ in particular who has ascended to DJ fame. James Matthews has gone in one year, from being relatively unknown to one of the most in demand DJs in St Andrews. He used to hold a residency at The Lizard and this year has played a few nights in Mackays, but his main love is big events and the crowds they attract. Starting from a young age and getting his set of vinyl decks when he was 12, James' musical heritage rests with breaks and drum and bass. He then moved into house and electro, purchased a pair of CD decks, started breaking into the St Andrews scene and the rest, as they say, is history. Playing nearly every major last year, from the original Starfields to SF:08 and the May Ball, James has had widespead exposure.

One of James' talents is knowing how to read a crowd and give them what they want. He may not have the onstage antics of someone like Dickie, but what he does have is an eye for what people want and is a master of controlling atmosphere. At Starfields Vanquish he played a house set that perfectly set the stage for Bodyrox and cemented his status as one of St Andrews premier DJs. Winning the St Andrews branch of the Corona DJ competition and coming second in the Scotish finals, James is rare talent for St Andrews and the prediction is that he will go very far indeed.

Starfields Vanquish: The Reviews

Bodyrox
The UK's house music maestros Bodyrox took the stage as the tent headline act on the Sunday evening. Nick Bridges, one half of the Bodyrox team, commanded the decks and dominated the crowds with his take on electro, house and dance classics. Bodyrox, famous for their UK no.2 single with Luciana 'Yeah Yeah', have received wide spread acclaim.Their songs have charted in countries across Europe, been described as some of the biggest in Miami and have even featured in a Ford TV commercial.

At Starfields Vanquish their hour and a half set bellowed out from the impressive sound system and electrified the crowd. Some critised it for being too housey, but from an electro house group, what do you expect? The mixes were precise and the overall performance inspiring, the light show mixing seamlessly into the music. Throughout all of this, the greatest thing to see was the smile on Nick Bridges face, which never failed to fade and showed he was enjoying himself just as much as the crowd. The two highlights were the opening use of 'Yeah Yeah', igniting the crowd and setting the level for the rest of the evening; and the world premier of Bodyrox's new song, a special treat just for St Andrews.

First two day event hits St Andrews by storm

Starfields Vanquish makes a name for it self

Two weeks ago today saw Starfields Vanquish descend upon St Andrews. The town's first two day student run music festival saw a whole host of international artists grace its streets. Over the weekend we saw Drum and Bass pioneers 'London Elektricity', UK beat boxing champion 'Beardyman', DJ legends 'Scratch Perverts', dance music maestro 'Bodryrox' and the institution that is Utah Saints. The focus was not only on the DJs and we were also graced with performances from local four piece 'DanDanDan', T in the Park performers 'Day of Days' and up and coming band 'The Gentlemen'




The event was held in a colossal festival tent in the grounds of one of the University's oldest colleges. Unfortunately for the event goers, the site had to be evacuated on the Saturday due to severe storms and gale force winds, however the event was saved by moving it to the local student's union where people didn't even notice the change. On the Sunday, all was well and the festival goers enjoyed an afternoon and night of entertainment on the festival site which had everything from a red bull support tent, food stands, University society village, an epic dance floor and one of the grandest structures in St Andrews.



The question on everybody's lips is now with the unheard of 'two day event', what will be next to the St Andrews event calendar? In the space of one year, we have seen the first St Andrews music festival, a full on rave in a 15th century quad and now a two day full blown music extravaganza. All I can say is watch this space.

Reviews of the acts to follow

Endorsed

In case there was ever any question about which candidate this blog was supporting:

I promise. I'm on it.

One day we're gonna live in Paris
I promise
I'm on it
When I'm bringing in the money
I promise
I'm on it
I'm gonna take you out to club showcase
We're gonna live it up
I promise
Just hold on a little more

And every night we'll watch the stars

They'll be out for us
They'll be out for us
And every night, the city lights
They'll be out for us
They'll be out for us

One day we're gonna live in Paris
I promise
I'm on it
I'll find you that French boy,
You'll find me that French girl
I promise
I'm on it

So go and pack your bags
For the long haul
We're gonna lose ourselves
I promise
This time next year will be forevermore

Friendly Fires - Paris [rapidshare]
Friendly Fires - Paris (Aeroplane Remix ft. Au Revoir Simone) [rapidshare]

Kisses of An Enemy

An endorsement the McCain campaign never meant to encourage:

"Al-Qaida will have to support McCain in the coming elections so that he continues the failing march of his predecessor, Bush." -Message posted on al-Hesbah Website [password-protected]

Al Hesbah Site: http://www.alhesbah.org/
TPM Article: http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/238985.php

McCain's Hard Work

On Governor Palin's denouncing of the McCain campaign's robocalls...

"You really have to work hard to violate Governor Palin's standards on negative campaigning." -Barack Obama

Recessions, Depressions and the Wisdom of the Ages

I think John, Obama, Joe and even a pit-bull with lipstick maybe leaving Brangelina behind in the never ending quest for America's attention; however, while 'the recession' may not be America's sweetheart, many a publication cannot seem to get enough of it.

Most of the articles I've perused have referenced the dot com bubble, the collapse of Long Term Capital Management, the late 80s, the early 80s, and the list goes on. Although most have stayed well away from the 1930s, one or two have danced around the word depression. Maybe continuing to look backward will help with the 700 billion dollar gamble going forwards

At times like these, there is really one thing to do, call your grandmother. Debbie was thrilled to hear from me but almost scoffed when I said the word depression. I was really curious about whether or not during the depression, people referred to it as 'the depression' because some how this recession has been termed 'the recession.' How does an economic period merit a definite article? Unfortunately, Debbie could not remember if it was called the depression then or not.

Debbie moved to Cleveland in 1932 when she was 10 and 25% of Americans were unemployed. Her governess, who was the former head of Case Western Reserve University's English department, used to take her to help in a soup kitchen, which more like a window in the side of the building with a line of people outside which went on for miles. Even as a child, Debbie remembers that whenever the food for the day ran out, the front window would be closed, and they would run to their car in case the hungry people left rioted.

A few weeks ago investment bankers were sitting on the curb of Wall Street drinking top shelf liquors in brown paper bags. It has not been a good month. From sea to shining sea Americans have watched the Dow play a game of egg toss with retirements and inheritances alike, [note: I've refrained here from the ubiquitous "Main Street" analogy. I am pretty sure America replaced Main Street with residential developments and strip malls long ago].

Times are hard, but in Debbie's words "it may not feel like it, but everything will work out."

In the mean time sell, save and call your Grandmother.

A Tough Neighborhood

Mixed Signals

Religion and State

Why is there a cross in front of the Capitol?

A Couple Songs for Autumn

Even if it never feels like fall:


Andrew Bird - Oh Sister (Bob Dylan cover) [RapidShare]


Bon Ivor- Skinny Love [RapidShare]

Metaphors

Graduating from University for many casualties of the upper middle class, probably feels a bit like running into a brick wall at pace; however, its the year which follows graduation when the purposelessness of unemployment really takes its toll. Speaking to a friend of mine on the phone about the predicament, she volunteered the metaphor "building a life/career piece by piece in the dark."


I prefer seeing myself in a field with two birds (career and relationship) circling overhead with a million stones at my feet that I am throwing into the air at random although most are useless and others are hugely misdirected. Only occasionally does one strike me on the head on its way back to earth leaving me momentarily unconscious before my absurd behavior begins again.


No Salinger reference intended. Happy job hunting.

Confessions of a Psychiatrist: D L R O W

When determining the mental aptitude of a patient, a Doctor has to ask many questions; during one such examination Dr Max asked a patient the routine question,

"Can you please say the word world for me forwards and backwards?" Obligingly the patient stood up faced the Doctor and said,

"World," before turning 180 degrees and repeating himself.

A Contradiction in Flavors

Louis XIV vs. Jeff Koons

Part of the Weekend Never Dies

Stumbled across this song on the Brooklyn based blog UberDrivel, but had to post it because of the fond Soulwax memories.

Samantha Fu - Theme From Discotheque

Samantha Fu - Theme from Discotheque [zshare]

A Taste of Barcelona

This Barcelona DJ has produced some excellent tracks and definitely check out the noteworthy music video. Both courtesy of Little Chile:


El Guincho - Palmitos Park[zshare]


VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enXYCFI1sD0

Covered: Every Little Thing

Sometimes girls singing about girls just sounds better. Check out The Blow covering this Police classic:


The Police: Every Little Thing She Does is Magic


The Blow: Come on Petunia [zshare]

A Vegan's Wisdom

"Bacon is not meat, its candy."

Best Part of the Republican National Convention

Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin's children behave a little oddly at the RNC

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToSFwQg6Sdg&feature=related

A Cat called Dog

Confessions of a Psychiatrist: A Better High

'Buprenorphine revolutionizes treatment for opiate dependence.'


Dr Max: That means my patients will just prefer Buprenorphine to heroine.

That Beat

Check out all three of these songs, you will know That Beat:


The Clash- Straight to Hell

M.I.A.- Paper Planes

Esau Mwamwaya- Tengazako 2



... So who do we owe credit?

Americana: Library Don'ts

Please Do Not:


Shout


Smoke


Use your cell phone


Bring your weapons...

A 'Guerilla' Gallery

http://www.lifestyle-boutique.co.uk/uncategorized/mobile-chanel-zaha-hadid-lagerfeld/

Where Lagerfeld leads....

A Permanent Endorsement

In case picking that bumper sticker off the back of your car on November 5th isn't painful enough.



Article: Oklahoma Tattoo Artist Giving Free Obama Tattoos

Covered: 13 Going on 26

From the moment the pre-adolescent Jojo came on the scene, it seemed obvious that someone more age appropriate should be singing her cheesy pop lyrics. The fact that this artist came in the form of Daniel Rossen, lead singer of Department of Eagles could never have been predicted.

Jojo- Too Little Too Late
Daniel Rossen - Too Little Too Late (cover)

The Promised Land, PA

Apologies for the half of a sign in this picture, it was taken while in motion; however, the fact that that The Promised Land is actually in Pennsylvania (on route 80) deserves attention.

Not so Sunday Songs

Courtesy of electrosexual,

I Get Around (Midnight Juggernauts Remix)[zshare] Dragonette

Les Mecs Kleenex[zshare] Revolte

Addicted[zshare] Alan Braxe


Bisous

A Bum Deal

I am notoriously bad with skirts. I am embarrassed to admit that when it comes to clothing my bottom half, my inner Geordie refuses to let me entertain anything that ends more than two inches below my knicker line. I like glorified belts and will concede that anything larger than a pelmet makes me feel like my 80+ year old nana. It's unfortunate and need I say 'tarty' but there is no accounting for taste. Especially not mine.
Hence, I feel that when it comes to making a good impression, I should steer clear of 'la jupe' - full stop. Unless I want to be mistaken for an entirely different genre of working girl as I stumble through the lobby.And so, it's going to have to be trousers - but with so many styles vying for my attention, I feel like I've been hurled headlong into a sartorial minefield.

The high waist shows no sign of losing momentum - and for obvious reasons. I remember vividly lusting after a pair of high-waisted, washed out jeans by Chloe, who kick started the trend seasons ahead of the rest of the fashion pack (S/S '04 to be precise). Eugenia Volodina was a vision of beauty perched precariously atop what appeared to be spindly stilts (but were in fact her seemingly endless legs). Such is the beauty of 'waisted' bottoms. They add inches (vertically) where in reality there may be none.
But, the waist has evolved and long gone are the days when retailers only stocked one waspish option. Now the rails are inundated with 'peg-tops' and 'corset waists' with cinching here and pleats there - no stone has been left unturned.

I must confess, that more recently I have been intrigued by the 'harem' versions that designers are touting. They're more than a bit MC Hammer but, in keeping with my making bad decisions, I'm struggling to see past them. Alas, however, I doubt that looking like an 80's rapper will go down any better than looking like a hooker, so I literally, 'can't touch this'.

Fortunately though (for me anyway) All Saints have played a blinder in the trouser department and when I moseyed around their Newcastle store recently I was bewildered by my options. Almost every pair of trousers had a masculine spin and one in particular even boasted a play on the 'harem/MC Hammer' thing - a 'baggy bottomed' but incredibly chic charcoal grey 'pantalon'. The look was sufficiently nonchalant and 'I borrowed these from my boyfriend' to be sexy, without being too overt. For the office, I would probably pair them with either an incredibly restrictive white shirt, or a good quality t-shirt in a sufficiently drapey fabric. (CC California and James Perse both do great 't-shirts' that are soft as butter and cut to 'fit'). Then, to prevent the overall look from being too severe, I'd add some shoulder grazing earrings, a pink blush and a teased out ponytail. I want to look like I mean business - but not like I'd chop your balls off and feed them to you. There's a happy medium.

The other pair that caught my attention were intimidatingly narrow and navy blue. Whilst I adore black, I do sometimes worry that it's a bit funereal - and come winter I know it'll be about the only colour in my wardrobe. Thus, I think navy offers a refreshing alternative whilst being just as flattering and a lot less bleak.
In fact, I've just bought a pair of dark blue 7/8ths (as that is what those-who-know insist on calling them) from Jigsaw - mainstay of the 'yummy mummy' brigade. Normally I would turn my nose up at the thought of even glancing in the window but my desperate need called for desperate measures and, I will concede that I was surprised enough to walk out the door with a bag bursting with tailored neutrals. Along with afore-mentioned trews, I also picked up a pair of 'hot shot' shorts (the demure alternative to 'hot pants') in a dense linen weave. They sit just above the knee and although not trousers, they've got enough of the androgynous factor to make them worlds better than the dreaded skirt. They tap into the nautical trend that arises every summer (because, of course, I'll skip out of the office and head straight to my yacht in St. Tropez - she's called 'In My Dreams') - but I'm definitely going to avoid the obvious stripe option and instead team them with a shell top, in either a sludgy green or ice blue (it's going to be the only colour to wear come autumn - apart from black). I'll slick on a coral lip (less obvious than red), 'Rouge Noir' nails and silver bangles. I think navy and gold can make one look too much like Captain Birdseye - although, clean shaven - hopefully.


My only other port of call is Reiss who I noticed are currently playing host to pair of skinny black 'ski pants' (Ski Pants_Dinnington 259025). I think the stirrups add an element of humour and make them slightly out of the ordinary. Ultimately, clothes should be fun and I feel that with these, Reiss have struck the right balance between smart and slightly tongue-in-'chic'. (Sorry, I couldn't resist). Check out these and others on their website http://www.reiss.co.uk/catwalk.

Happy Shopping!

The White Stuff

Office wear. Bleurgh! I start sneezing at the very thought. But, alas, there comes a point in most of our lives when blouses and skirt suits cease to be reserved for the specials board and swiftly become the only thing on the menu.

For me, this time is fast approaching and I'm losing my appetite. The thought of shrouding myself in matchy-matchy Maggie Thatcher-esque pin-stripes and blazers makes me feel giddy - (and not in a good 'I've had two glasses of wine and would quite like a third' way)!

And so, it is with more than a degree of trepidation that I begin to weigh up my options.
For starters, we need the basics. I want these to be my failsafe option for days when I try everything on twice, before deciding that I have nothing to wear, only to then pull this outfit on and feel fabulous with two minutes to spare. (I'll put my face on on the train - only to undoubtedly fall into work resembling a well dressed 'Joker').

To begin with I want a pristine white shirt. For me, nothing spells sophistication better than when a woman dresses with a masculine edge. "Pretty" doesn't really sit too well with me and so I'd take the 'drag' option every time. My 'vision' is Diane Keaton in Annie Hall - only ironed.

A pet peeve of mine is when white shirts get messed with. The only ingredients necessary are a great cut, long length and collar so sharp that when 'popped' it poses a health hazard. Say no to frills.

Daphne Guinness apparently got so tired of not being able to find what she wanted that she decided to launch her own collection of capsule items - Daphne - which includes a white shirt for every occassion. Personally, I would take them all but the more rational amongst you can choose for yourself at Dover Street Market. Another great thing about these shirts is that the designer price tag doesn't come hand in hand with designer maintenance. They are built for machine washing and in the words of Daphne herself "the more you wash them the nicer they'll get."

Another designer, making a name for himself at the moment is Todd Lynn - if money was no object I would stockpile this shirt. I know I said that shirts shouldn't be messed with but I'll make an exception with this beauty - Lynn does mess exceptionally well: http://www.matchesfashion.com/catalogue/productdetail/matches_ss08_ladies_tops_toddlynn_16_tl_0004_whi_521

For the more petite amongst you, GAP are always a cert when it comes to shirts and blouses, although if like me, you're long of torso then be sure to try before you buy. I frequently find that the "waist" sits somewhere between my chest and neck.

Alternatively, Brooks Brothers (a sort of T.M Lewin for our friends across the pond) now has a UK fanbase and has responded with an online shop http://www.brooksbrothers.com/uk. Oprah Winfrey (although a somewhat dubious style icon) sang the praises of their 'non-iron' range which features four shapes to flatter all figures. I would opt for the 'tailored fit' which is slim through the body with long shirt tails (ideal for tucking into high waisted bottoms). I admit I was sceptical about the grandiose 'non iron' claim, but I have witnessed first hand that these shirts do exactly what it says on the tin - from dryer to dinner without so much as a whiff of steam.

Or, coming soon to the internet, is Bank and Son - a newly established 'Ladies' and Gentlemen's outfitters' who offer a bespoke service with surprisingly bank friendly prices. These shirts are excellent quality and the joy is that you are able to dictate everything from collar to cuff. I have two and wear them to death. I'll keep you posted on the launch of the website!

...so, armed with the perfect top half, I should at least be able to make it to work looking pseudo presentable from the waist up. That's unless I manage to spill breakfast down me before I arrive - which sadly, is more than a possibility.


Next post: A Bum Deal

Featuring Detroit

Abandoned Theater, Detroit

These two songs both not only feature an infamous mid-western city, but also acted as anthems at different points over the last two years. Although definitely not brand new, hopefully they are new to some of you:

Who's Afraid of Detroit? - Claude VonStroke
Claude VonStroke MySpace


Put your Hands up for Detroit - Fedde Le Grand
Fedde Le Grande Myspace

Why I Don't Look at My Bank Statements.

I'm a great believer in 'must-have' items. But that's because I'm greedy and am genuinely convinced that I 'must-have' everything.
For example:
Voice of Reason: "But do you need another pair of textured 'pleather' leggings?"
Me (struggling to comprehend the question): "Why yes! I simply MUST have them!!"

I think, this could go part way to explaining why I am perpetually scraping the bottom of my overdraft and yet, have somehow acquired fourteen pairs of black court shoes (in varying styles obviously), enough 'leather-look' to fill a gimp's wardrobe and, somewhere in the region of thirty-three pairs of jeans.

Oh God. I am officially a monetary menace.

Oh well! At least I can declare myself bankrupt safe in the knowledge that my shoes fit the bill.

M'Orange

When it comes to beauty, I am incredibly unfaithful. I will buy anything that is thrust under my nose, use half the contents and then, succumb to the allure of something else, which does exactly the same job but smells of Jasmine instead of Gardenia.

If the words 'Limited Edition' are involved, then I'll probably take three - only to regret my panic buying when three months down the line, my five unused bottles of nail polish are fermenting in the bottom of my make-up bag - (maybe this is the future of fuel?)

So, upon discovering that orange was the colour on everyones lips this season, I scampered off to MAC to buy into this phenomenon. Admittedly, my primary motivation came in the form of Naomi Campbell looking not too dissimilar to my notion of heaven - all coral pout and tangerine flush - still, just because our skin tones differ by a shade or....fifty, I was determined that I could make this work. My belief was bolstered by the incredibly complimentary MAC ambassador, who assured me that you didn't need an outrageously bad temper nor an army of assistants, to embrace fashion's latest folly.

To his delight, I waltzed away £23 lighter and half a make-up counter heavier.

I am going to experiment with my scarily neon blusher and await the verdict of my two year old neice. If she cries, I'll chuck it along with the nail polish and potentially resolve the oil crisis. It definitely has more than a hint of the radioactive...

An Enigma on Bridge Street...

I am an huge admirer of figurative painters, largely because my own artistic abilities begin and end with bowls of fruit and the occasional stick dog/cat/rabbit (it's all in the ears).

Thus, I was immediately drawn to the latest exhibition at my local gallery which is currently playing host to Tristan Reid.

While not all of his paintings moved me, I was transfixed by the one entitled 'Nightingale' - A girl stands, toes turned in, hands clasped, wearing an almost indecipherable expression on her handsome face. Her stance closes her off from the spectator, as if she inhabits the canvas and holds there a secret she is unwilling to share. One feels as though one has stumbled across a doorway into another world, and the painting's sombre subject is an unwelcoming gatekeeper.

Dressed entirely in black (very A/W '08), she is in stark contrast to the ochre backdrop - and the effect is haunting. She is alone but for a Nightingale (a reference to 'The Nightingale and the Rose' - by Oscar Wilde) and the viewer is at a loss to interpret her troubled gaze. Sadness? Concern? Disappointment? Reid has succesfully captured a wealth of emotion with his studied brushstrokes and I only wish I had the wealth to take her home and study her at leisure.

To view more of Reid's paintings, visit his website: http://www.tristanreidpaintings.com/

Confessions of a Psychiatrist: Cocaine in Crafts Corner

Dr Max had a patient who had had come to him with a number of woes, one of which was quite apparently ADD. Before he was able to prescribe her any medications, she informed him that she had a habit of snorting cocaine.

For many psychiatrists it is normal to come across patients who are self medicating; it is also no mystery to psychiatrists and chemists that cocaine has a very similar chemical structure to the commonly prescribed ADD medicine, Ritalin. Both amphetamines the effects of these chemicals can be compared, even though cocaine's extremely fast acting euphoric high is only the beginning of what makes it an infamous class A narcotic.

When home alone, she would snort her coke and keep her cross-stitching close by, her high activity of choice. She said it would help her relax being able to focus on her craft.

One can only imagine how furiously.

In Case of Emergency...

On what was proving to be another typically blustery Northumbrian day, I awaited my seven year old nephew in the school yard (desperately hoping that I wasn't going to be mistaken for his mother - I would have been all of fourteen when he was born). It was while I was standing there willing myself younger and thinner, that my attention was caught by what appeared to be a faceless, trouserless pair of legs, that on further inspection emerged as a decidedly windswept mother.

Her comment as she hurtled past me was something along the lines of "Thank Christ I'm not wearing my old grey knickers with the frayed elastic!" - or at least that's what I translated it as - for before she could finish she disappeared once more under a froth of pink skirt hem, exposing what I deduced to be a very well chosen pair of Agent Provocateur smalls.

Which got me thinking - while it seems like a great idea to squeeze ourselves into some butt busting, stomach sucking, uplifting all-in-one; there could be nothing more mortifying than exposing your flesh coloured miracle worker in the unforgiving light of day.
I began frantically trying to remember which pants I'd grabbed from the drawer that morning, when it dawned on me - I put so much consideration into my outerwear (well, on the rare occasion that I can be bothered), and yet I consistently spend no time what-so-ever contemplating what lies beneath. What if I got hit by a bus? I would actually DIE if the Northumberland Fire Department had to whisk me off to A&E sporting my Christmas knickers.

Which is why I've currently set my sights on this newest offering from Myla -
Cost of one ridiculousy impractical set of underwear - £178
Smug satisfaction when your skirt blows over your head - priceless.

Extremely What?

Following on from the success of 'Everything is Illuminated' Jonathan Safran Foer's second literary foray is a tragi-comic work of genius. Narrated by the eternally inquisitive, marginally autistic Oskar Schell, the novel documents his extremes of emotion as he wrestles to come to terms with the death of his father in the attacks of 9/11.

Far from being your average nine year old boy, Oskar is a cynic, a pragmatist, a scientist - he fills his daybook 'Things That Happened To Me' with countless images snapped with his grandfather's camera. He scours the internet to find answers to his unending string of questions and writes letter after letter to his hero, Stephen Hawking.

And so it is, that following the accidental discovery of a mysterious key, Oskar, dressed only in white, embarks on a quest to discover which of New York's 162 million locks it unlocks - certain that success will somehow bring him closer to his absent father and help him to understand why he can't be where he is. However, during his travels through New York and the five boroughs it plays host to, Oskar finds that his mission takes him on a journey through much more than just districts...

'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close' handles the tragedy of September 11th with great sensitivity, and it's lead protagonist becomes a beacon of hope in the aftermath of disaster. Oskar wears 'heavy boots', he gives himself bruises and repeatedly meets with obstacles and yet, as he meanders through the streets of the story, his boots gradually become lighter, along with his heart.

'I moved over to Grandma's side of the limosuine and told Mom, "Why would I need a key to her apartment?" She could tell that I was zipping up the sleeping bag of myself, and I could tell that she didn't really love me. I knew the truth, which was that if she could have chosen, it would have been my funeral we were driving to. I looked up at the limosuine's sunroof, and I imagined the world before there were ceilings, which made me wonder; Does a cave have no ceiling, or is a cave all ceiling?'

mY Style Legend

Trend whore, fashion victim... just a few of the 'affectionate' titles I've been honoured with over the years. Still, while I can accept that I have had a myriad of fashion disasters, I am a firm believer in the notion that sometimes, in order to get on the best dressed list, you have to prepare to end up on the worst. Hence my dalliance with a purple jumpsuit (very Barney the dinosaur), a monochrome animal print shirt (featuring leopard, zebra and snakeskin), and, in my earlier days, a well loved pair of acid orange dip dyed flares.

Still, these sartorial catastrophes have not deterred me in my quest to find the ugliest items I possibly can and attempt to pull them off with aplomb.

Hence, with Yves Saint Laurent endorsing black lipstick and bowl haircuts, I am already clamouring to get my hands on some midnight pout perfector and have been apprehended on several occasions, hazardously wielding a pair of pruning scissors with a pudding basin plonked determinedly on my head. Still, for those of you who are not quite as fearless (aka. stupid) as I, Stefano Pilati's latest collection for Yves has much to be admired - the kind of classic creations that can be worked into any wardrobe.

Black is once again, the new black and yet, far from being funereal, Pilati has fashioned an ensemble for every occasion. From beautifully tailored 'power' suits, through to the perfect winter coat, his pieces are structured but feminine - gone are the hardened 'warrior woman' silhouettes we've seen in previous seasons - this time around, it's all about wearing the trousers, but knowing it's okay to take them off.

A Lesson in Love

I watched the Julie Delpy film 'Two Days In Paris' last night and was astonished to discover that the character she plays is almost as irrational as me.

"It has always fascinated me how people go from loving you madly to nothing at all, nothing. It hurts so much. When I feel someone is going to leave me I have a tendency to break up first before I get to hear the whole thing. Here it is. One more, one less. Another wasted love story. I really love this one. When I think that it's over, that I'll never see him again like this...well yes, I'll bump into him, we'll meet our new boyfriend and girlfriend, act as if we had never been together, then we'll slowly think of each other less and less until we forget each other completely. Almost. Always the same for me. Break up, break down. Drunk up, fool around. Meet one guy, then another, fuck around. Forget the one and only. Then after a few months of total emptiness start again to look for true love, desperately look everywhere and after two years of loneliness meet a new love and swear it is the one, until that one is gone as well. There's a moment in life when you can't recover any more from another break-up. And even if this person bugs you sixty percent of the time, well you still can't live without him. Even if he wakes you up every day by sneezing right in your face, well you love his sneezes more than anyone else's kisses."

P.S.

These are what I am currently hankering after. They should tide me through to the autumn with a more than moderate dose of discomfort.

No pain. No gain.

Best Foot Forward

So, with the British summertime having been and gone in a matter of days, I couldn't help but get excited thinking about the season ahead. I've scarcely dared to look at a pair of flip-flops this year for fear of torrential rain, so what better way to while away the hours indoors than by planning what to wear when the collections are more weather appropriate? Cue: Givenchy, Calvin Klein and YSL. Or, in other words, Sartorial heaven.

All three of these big hitters featured looks I LOVED on their A/W '08 runways. From Annie Hall-esque masculine chic, to Morticia Adams meets Jane Austen, their silhouettes were diverse, injecting some much needed variation to the winter wardrobe. Strucutre is back, heralding the end of flitting around like a fairy in a dress printed with....fairies? (Prada, I love you, but you're bringing me down).

At Givenchy, models stalked down the catwalk looking pretty but petulant, clad almost entirely in black. Givenchy coupled skintight 'treggings' (I hate the term but what other word is there?) in both matt black leather and high gloss PVC, with elaborate black shirts or the merest suggestion of chiffon. The outline was top heavy, creating the illusion of endless legs and a bust where there otherwise may not be one (myself being a case in point). Just add a crucifix and an healthy dose of hedonism and you're good to go!

Next Post: Yves Saint Laurent...

Off Duty Da(y)te Wear

http://store.americanapparel.co.uk/rsapm302.html#i


The tulip came and conquered the catwalks a couple of seasons ago and, unlike it's contemporaries the cocoon and the cape, the tulip has endured the test of time and continues to make regular appearances on the catwalks. For Autumn/Winter '08, the tulip shape was seen in collections by Balenciaga, Stella McCartney and Giambattista Valli, to name just a few. The emphasis of the season being on shape and structure; in stark contrast to the ethereal romanticism we witnessed in the Spring/Summer collections.


To incorporate the tulip shape into your weekend wardrobe, a casual skirt such as this one from American Apparel, is the perfect item to work for both your day and evening looks. For day, dressed down with a loose-fitting t-shirt, tucked in and cinched with a wide waisted belt, this skirt can look casually nonchalant. For evening, up the stakes by coupling it with a skimpy vest or body and switching the flats for some killer statment heels. A cummerband in a contrasting colour could further enhance your fashion credentials - Jil Sander's collection was a blur of acid brights. Or, to be ahead of the trends, do a Madonna and pull on some black lace fingerless gloves. Lace is a key theme for the coming season.

My Latest Lust Object

Now, for those of you who know me, this will not come as a surprise. However, for those of you unfortunate enough to have never experienced me and my extensive collection of 'pleather' goods, this may not immediately strike you as a sartorial winner.

Let me highlight the benefits of this little number.
1) It's wipeable - so you don't need to panic if you spill anything on it.
2) It makes you feel like catwoman - who doesn't want to look like a character from a comic book?
3) It's 100% synthetic - the look of leather with no meaningless animal slaughter. Stella McCartney would be proud.
4) It's just cool.

Here you go. Now behold the joy of American Apparel at their best.

http://store.americanapparel.co.uk/rsac343.html#i

P.S. If any AA representative happens to stumble across this post, please advise your in house designers that a 'pleather' catsuit would go down a storm. Much obliged.

Active Resistance to Propaganda

Vivienne Westwood is a visionary...

Check out her manifesto at http://www.activeresistance.co.uk/index2.htm

Tribute to the Sunsetpeople

If you are a fan of minimal techno, then you cannot beat M.A.N.D.Y. vs. Booka Shade:

New: Oh Superman (Tribute To Sunsetpeople)

Old: Body Language

Confessions of a Psychiatrist: The Swallower

There is an infamous patient in a hospital far away known to most of the staff as the Swallower. Our psychiatrist, Dr. Max, was called into the Swallower's hospital room on what could be considered an almost routine check to speak with the patient and ascertain exactly what they had eaten before coming to the emergency room this time.

It was protocol that the Swallower would have to remain in the hospital until whatever they had consumed was expelled. They had been known to ingest a variety of things (usually cutlery), but on this particular occasion they had swallowed a watch.

On his rounds after visiting the Swallower's hospital room, Dr Max turned to a resident on his right hand and casually asked, 'Why does this patient have to remain in the hospital?'

The resident paused while their brain flooded with possibilities, and the anxiety of being put on the spot took over, as it seemed doctors, students and nurses stared. He stammered.

Dr Max answered his own question, 'They are just passing time.'

An Alcoholic's Wisdom

'Fake it till you make it.'

'[Chin up] One day at a time.'

'Let go and let God.'

June 28th

Leaving and Leaving You

When I leave your postcode and your commuting station,
When I left undone all the things we planned to do
You may feel you have been left by association
But there is leaving and leaving you.

When I leave your town and the club that you belong to,
When I leave without much warning or much regret,
Remember, there's doing wrong and there's doing wrong to
You, which I'll never do and I haven't yet,

And when I have gone, remember that in weighing
Everything up, from love to a cheaper rent,
You were all the reasons I thought of staying,
And none of the reasons why I went

And although I leave your sight and I leave your setting,
And our separation is soon to be a fact,
Though you stand beside what I'm leaving and forgetting,
I'm not leaving you, not if motive makes the act.

Sophie Hannah

Meeting God

In an airport there were a group of people wearing bright yellow t-shirts that said 'Meeting God' on the front.

I wonder if I met God, if I would have a t-shirt made too.

Rockness 2008: Mylo

MYLO:


Mylo returned to his home corner of Scotland for Rockness 2008 and did not fail to represent clad in a Rangers jersey while DJing an excellent set. He performed on Sunday in the afternoon on the main stage, and had a second set in the SoCo tent later in the evening.

If you are not familiar with Mylo and have an affinity for electronic music, his only album Destroy Rock and Roll comes highly recommended from the Reverie Record, and if you ever have the opportunity to see him perform do not miss it.

MySpace: www.myspace.com/mylo

Sweet Child of Mine - Flatpack (Mylo Remix)

Ottos Journey- Mylo

Beat Wisdom

"My fault, my failure, is not in the passions I have, but in my lack of control of them." -Jack Kerouac

Cuillin Hills, Isle of Skye

Escorts R' Us

Finally have sorted out a job for a next year:

http://london.craigslist.co.uk/etc/717226741.html

This career path would obviously qualify one for the Highly Skilled Migrant visa.

Rockness 2008: Eclectic Method

According to the fountain of knowledge that is Wikipedia, a VJ is a "performance artist who creates moving visual art (often video) on large displays or screens". This author had never encountered a VJ before Rockness, I was in for a pleasant surprise!

Eclectic Method are a trio of VJs from London, they have been hailed as "the future of nightclub entertainment" and their take on mixing live video with audio can create an overwhelming nightclub experience. They mix music videos, films and TV show clips into their live sets, laying down an epic audio-visual feast for the senses.

Playing in the Southern Comfort tent at Rockness just before Mylo, the eclectically dressed trio remixed Run DMC into Britney Spears, with some Michael Jackson and electro anthems dropped in for good measure. The visual aspects of their set were refreshing and entrancing, providing something totally different to the rest of the festival. Other DJs had visual effects or video playing as part of their set, but none of them mixed live video with the style and finesse of Eclectic Method. The atmosphere in the tent was amazing and with a mixture of eclectic underground songs and unconventional methodical mixing, they held true to their name.

They are pioneering the art of the VJ and firmly establishing themselves in the field, being called upon by musicians such as Fatboy Slim and U2 to produce audio-visual remixes. With clubs such as the Minstry of Sound in London kitting it self out with high end VJ and visual projection equipment, Eclectic Method will be ready and waiting for when every club embraces the VJ.

- For more information have a look at www.eclecticmethod.net -

Le Groupusqule

Stumbled across this website on a French music blog and can offer no explanations for it, but its definitely worth checking out:

http://www.groupusqule.com/

The pictures and videos are particularly haunting. Be sure to watch 'Moriarty Jimmy.'

Rockness 2008: Cagedbaby

A caged baby isn't the most delightful of images, but a DJ of that name proved to be an exceptional surprise at this year's Rockness festival.

The Brighton based DJ was stumbled upon unexpectedly when conducting a late night search for some friends in the Bollywood tent. His mix of electro, new rave and techno with dirty edits of current dance floor anthems had the tent bursting at the seams. Multiple times we were on the verge of leaving the tent to resume the search for our friends, however the Baby's gritty baselines and euphoric mixing kept us saying the fabled lines "We'll stay for just one more song".

Cagedbaby has previously toured with Fatboy Slim and has performed at major festivals all of the world. In this authors mind he is a hidden gem, and is definitely going to get bigger and better. Watching Cagedbaby in the Bollywood tent, this author noticed he didn't use CDs or vinyl, instead mearly a computer and a simple mixer. A little more research uncovered that he was one of the first DJs to use the sequencing software Ableton to it's full potential, which gives him a unique style, being able to layer up to 5 different tracks at once and create his distinctive technique.

Master of Ceremonies advises you to look out for the Baby and if you get the chance to see him, definitely take it.

- For more information have a look at www.myspace.com/cagedbaby -