This year has been a good one musically, so many good releases, one of which was the double album, Dark Was the Night, featuring the Dessner brothers from The National. While I was hoping for a new album from the band this year, their contribution to the project, So Far Around the Bend has certainly been on high rotation. And anyway, great things don’t need to be rushed…

So, with the final month of the year hurtling toward us, the last weekend of Spring opening it’s skies, don’t be careful anymore…  fall in love with Mr. November.

Mr. November

Used as the unofficial anthem for Obama’s election campaign, this song, from their 2005 album, Alligator opens me up like a tin of fish each time I hear it. The lush, chiming guitars, crisp snare sound and vocalist Matt Berninger’s deadpan, rising to a full-throated roar, careens on the edge of losing control. It has a wildness, a sense of abandonment. It is driving with the windows down, turn it up loud and sing till your throat hurts good.

I wish that I believed in fate
I wish I didn’t sleep so late
I used to be carried in the arms of cheerleaders

Check out this great live version…

Apartment Story

Wind the clock forward to 2007 and the band release Boxer, a brooding masterpiece. It is an album of dark, asymmetrical rhythms scoring Berninger’s collage of poetry, dialogue and imagistic brush strokes. Apartment Story has an agoraphobic feel, something the band do quite well, but ironically, it sends you out into the world, wanting to share it with everyone you meet.

Oh we’re so disarming darling, everything we did believe
is diving diving diving diving off the balcony
Tired and wired we ruin too easy
sleep in our clothes and wait for winter to leave

Available

And this, from their 2003 album, Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers. This is jagged, angular rock. A caustic tale, which ends with Berninger exploding into the question, ‘why did you dress me down and liquor me up?’ Where Mr. November careens on the edge of abandonment, Available plunges headlong into it. The climax steamrolls… but leaves you ready to do it all again.

Did you dress me down and liquor me up
To make me last for the minute
When the red comes over you
Like it does when you’re filled with love
Or whatever you call it

More from the band at their homepage: www.americanmary.com

Religious morality is fake; Do like the magic man says in his magic book and receive reward after death.. or torture.. that’s not morality.

It doesn’t suck when it’s coming to your blog.

But anyway.

The purpose of this post is to illustrate one of my favorite new restaurants. I was introduced to Wurstküche this weekend by my girlfriend. Situated in the Artist’s District of Los Angeles, this Belgian style eatery is the perfect place to enjoy two of man’s greatest vices: Beer and meat (specifically, Belgian Ale and sausage.)

I had no idea what to expect when my girlfriend took me here. She basically just said, “Get in the car, we’re going out to dinner at this place in LA.” In I went.

When I walked in, there was quite a line; and after taking a look at the selection, I know why:

Heaven.

As you can tell, they don’t fuck around.

M’lady ordered the rattlesnake, rabbit and jalapeno sausage. I wasn’t as brave. I kept it real and got a familiar favorite (Bratwurst.) Although I was enticed by the Spicy Louisiana, and the Alligator & Pork. Some recommendations I got from the locals were the Bacon and Duck with Jalapeno and the Buffalo, Veal and Pork. Also, this place has a pretty awesome vegetarian selection for those who are against “cruelty to animals” or whatever.

As you can tell, it’s exotic and incredible.

What’s better, is the Klein or Groot (small Belgian fries or large Belgian fries.) They’re basically thick-cut skin-on french fries with sea salt, but what makes them amazing is that you’re eating them with a choice selection of incredible German, Belgian and American lagers and ales… And they come with your choice of any two (2) dipping sauces. Some favorites of mine include: Bleu Cheese Walnut & Bacon, Curry Ketchup, Pesto Mayo and Chipotle Aoili (they also have Thai Peanut, Tzatziki, Sundried Tomato Mayo and Sweet and Sassy BBQ.) Fucking amazing.

Wurstküche FTW

They also have a live DJ spinning til midnight. The whole place closes around 1am, so you still have time to hit the liquor store afterward for some beer if you wish to continue the party. I should also mention that the sausages are covered in caramelized onions, sauerkraut (duh), and sweet or spicy peppers (go sweet.) Also, if you’re mustard connoisseur like myself, they have: Spicy, Whole grain, Dijon, Spicy Brown, Honey Mustard or American Yellow (American Yellow… I usually go Spicy Brown, but I just wasn’t feeling it.)

The best part of the meal is this right here:

Bier.

Yeah, there’s a lot on tap. The more modern man (see: the baller) might opt for a limited release Schneider Brooklyner Hopfen Weisse (8.2% ABV 500mL) for $11, or the frugal college guy (see: myself) can get down with a good, old fashioned PBR for $2.50. No matter what it is you order – you win.

Write it down.

Take your girl. Take your boys.

It’s legitimate awesome.

Wurstküche. Purveyor’s of Exotic Grilled Sausages. 800 EAST 3RD STREET LOS ANGELES CA 90013.

I should also mention: I don’t do food reviews on this blog. Unless, of course, it’s bizarre or obscure (see: Rolled Pig’s Face; Meat Hand.) But I made an exception for this place because it was so fucking awesome. Go there. Now. Enjoy it. Thank yourself.

Alligator Lake, originally uploaded by Century Club.

I went a little later this morning to see if the wildlife likes to sleep in some days. For the most part I didnt see much again today. I great blue heron startled me as it took off from the side of the boardwalk below me and a little blue heron was on the side of wood duck pond.
The new thing was I saw the first alligators on a long time at alligator lake. WHen I entered 3 birds were sitting on the floating raft and a smaller alligator was next to the dock. Over time I am getting better at spotting logs with eyes so this sort of stood out. He was maybe 5-6 feet long and content laying there.
Walking around the park didnt yield much other than the birds mentioned above. The last pond didnt even have a turtle to be seen. After the loop is done you walk back by alligator lake so I tried one more time. The birds that were on the raft were replaced by a gator maybe 6-9 foot long.
In all not a bad day but still not the day I was looking for with the photography contest coming up soon.

More of the pics can be seen on my flickr site

MAJOR DC dropped this collab fitted with New Era back in late May, but it just caught my attention.  For all of you sneakerheads out there, the whole MAJOR DC and New Era fam searched to find the exact materials and fabrics used on the Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “Diamond” sneakers or commonly known as “Tiffany’s” due to their resemblence of the Tiffany jewellery box.  This hat is by far one of the most detailed I’ve seen in the last little while.  The front and back of the cap feature the MAJOR DC “Trinity” logo and “3 Stars” logo in black, outlined in metallic silver.  The inside of the cap features MAJOR DC’s “Step-N-Repeat” logo imprinted on the satin lining, while the top button is done in silver satin, inspired by the ribbons used when packaging fine gems. 

SOURCE: MAJOR DC

Album Cover

Tegan and Sara

“Sainthood”

October 2009; Sire Records

By Emily J Ramey

By now you better know that the indie rock duo Tegan and Sara is comprised of Canadian identical twins Tegan and Sara Quin.  The eclectically charismatic pair of women has been gathering critical acclaim for their raw and distinctive power pop since the 2004 release of So Jealous and its single “Walking with a Ghost.”  However, it was 2007’s The Con and its singles “Back in Your Head” and “The Con” that led to T&S’ international renown and household name status.  Ring any bells?  Okay, fast forward nearly two years.

Now, with their six full length album Sainthood, Tegan and Sara are demonstrating their staying power in a rapid-moving industry as well as their ability to adapt and develop their music as the women themselves mature as songwriters, performers, and musical icons.

Sainthood is a badass girl rock album with strong, driving percussion, sharp, choppy vocals, and clever, buoyant lyrics.  Essentially, Tegan and Sara have recorded an assortment of syrupy love songs turned edgy eighties synth pop by the twins’ tight electronic instrumentation and tensely expressive, angular performance.

Sainthood’s track listing is well-balanced and robust.  A few of the can’t-miss songs are “Don’t Rush,” a grungy, distorted tune, simple and distinguishing with its pithy chorus: “One way or another/I’ll find my way to cover/I sing to find my other;” the album’s first single “Hell,” a catchy tour de force with quick wordplay and heavy, upbeat guitar contradicting its darker content; the silky and dynamic tune “The Cure” with its silvery harmonies, mellow flow, and sanguine lines like, “I know the world’s been mean to you/ I’ve got a cure; hold tight./I know the world’s not fair to you/I’ve got a cure for its crimes;” the post-punk-influenced “Northshore,” complete with rebel adolescent lyrics like, “Don’t save me, don’t save me, don’t save me,” and the repeated chorus line, “There’s something so sick about this/My misery’s so addictive;” and the effortless and unpretentious “Alligator,” a sunny tune of love lost.

Tegan and Sara use simplicity and hazy instrumentation to downplay their lyrics, which somehow works in reverse to highlight the duo’s unparalleled ability to speak to the heart of complications in love and other similar stories.  The Quin women are irresistible, but to be fair, they did warn us: “Watch/With a bit of friction/I’ll be under your clothes./With a bit of focus/I’ll be under your skin.”

410 words

Aunque se podría pensar que este primer álbum de Castro con el sello Alligator lo iba a llevar lejor de su sonido rockero para acercarlo un poco más al blues, este es otro esfuerzo típico del guitarrista, en el que sigue mostrando que es un bluesrocker a carta cabal.
El veterano productor John Porter vuelve a unirse con Tommy Castro, desarrollando un disco que es sumamente atractivo para la radio pues cuenta con teclados y vientos muy amigables, llenando casi todo el espacio que podría tener la música para respirar en alguna suerte de improvisación, lo cual marca diferencia en cuanto al sonido más abierto que tiene el guitarrista en vivo.
Aunque es un producto bien logrado, muy profesional, no logra capturar completamente la esencia musical de Tommy Castro, tal vez porque este trabajo está más pensado en buscar que el artista logre llegar a los lugares hegemónicos de la industria musical.

Experience a unique and thrilling Florida Airboat ride adventure! Join Captain Rick’s personalized, interpretive eco-tour as you look for alligators, native and migratory birds, and other Florida wild life on the St. Johns River. Climb aboard “Grasshopper”, a state-of-the-art Airboat, custom built for a comfortable and safe Florida Airboat ride, promising you an educational and fun wildlife experience. The Airboats are specially designed and custom built with the visitors in mind. Elevated seating ensures a full undisturbed view, no matter where you sit. The weather proof seat bottom and back rests are cushioned for a comfortable ride. You also have the opportunity to sample Gourmet Alligator Snacks as part of your unique Florida dining experience! Make sure to bring sunglasses, sun screen – and your camera of course! For more information, visit the Southeast Tourism Society Destination Guide.

Savannah, Georgia. ©Calvin Palmer 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Zeiss Planar T* 1,4/50, ISO 200, 1/160, f/2.8, Canon 40D.

hehe i'm gonna eat youu

chillin' out

foraging in the shallows

Super upload for today! I spent like four hours out by the lake taking pictures and I had sooo many good ones I obviously had a really hard time picking.. These three went into my project for species identification which was really fun (: The species are the florida red-bellied turtle (Pseudemys nelsoni), alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), and the great white heron (Ardea herodias).

Keeping up with all of the exotic leathers out there is NOT easy.  This has been my weakest area on skin identification, and so I’ve been working on a study guide that would help me to tell all of my exotics apart.  I based my research on only the most-trusted sources, including the Smithsonian Zoological Department, as well as the University of Michigan’s Biodiversity Department and the Florida Museum of Natural History.  I also sourced several specialty leather websites  (facts are sourced in parenthesis). Below is what I have compiled (if you do not agree with what I have posted, PLEASE email me so that I may A. Argue with you, or B. Correct it).

Crocodylidae:

Because we won’t be dealing much with the whole animal, it is best to concentrate on the properties of the skins alone: below are two links which I found very helpful.

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/cbd-faq-q1.htm

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Americanalligator.cfm

Note the DPRs on each tile of this CROCODILE skin.

The Crocodylidae Family is divided into three main groups or sub-families:  Alligatorinae (this includes alligators and caiman) and Crocodylinae (this includes crocodiles and false-gharials) and Gavialinae (which includes the Gharial).

All members of Crocodylidae have Dermal Pressure Receptors (aka DPRs) along their jaws.  These pits look like black stubble.  Crocodiles also have these DPRs all over their bodies, on each individual tile.  However, neither Caiman nor Alligator have DPRs present on their body tiles—they have evolved out of them  (University of Michigan Biodiversity Department).

“Crocodile and alligator skin wallets, handbags, boots etc are easy to tell apart – if the scales have a small spot or dimple close to the edge, you know the skin is from a crocodile and not an alligator or caiman.”

-Florida Museum of Natural History

"Scutes" or "Osteoderms" along the back of an AMERICAN ALLIGATOR.

All caiman species (there are six)  live in South and Central America. The American Alligator lives only in North America, while the Chinese Alligator lives in China. The majority of Alligatorinae live in the New World, whilst the majority of the Crocodylinae live in the Old World.

The belly scales of the Alligator are large and fade into smaller, rounder tiles toward the flank (side) of the animal.  The tiles become more rectangular in shape on the ventral (bottom) portion of the tail (http://www.alligatorleather.com/cuts/alligator_hides.html).  The skin on the back of the American Alligator is characterized by vertical bony plates for defense called “osteoderms” or “scutes”  (Smithsonian Zoological Park).

Crocodylian skins from all families may be “spliced” together for continuity.

Snakes:

Anaconda:  New World, one of the largest snakeskins.  Of the constrictor family.  The scales are characteristically large and lack the long stomach plates found on python.

Python:  Old World, a member of the constrictors.  Characteristics include long (widthwise) stomach plates gradating into smaller, more diamond-shaped scales that overlap along the sides (keeled).

Whipsnake:  Found all over the Old World and many areas of the New World, the whipsnake is identified as a non-poisonous Colubrid.   They are very common and their skins are not very expensive.  They also take dye very well.  Dorsal scales are smooth, not keeled.  The scales found on the head are very large, characteristic only to this family of snakes (Colubrids).

My little Karung montage.

Karung:  a name for the leather that comes from the Wart Snake.  Smooth, almost consistently-sized pyramid-shaped scales on both the back and stomach.  Lower-class skins.  Look for the pyramid/diamond-shaped scales that are smooth and unkeeled (they do not overlap).

Vipers:  of the family of venomous snakes, found in both New World and Old World, including copperhead, rattlesnake, cottonmouth (New World), cobra, black mamba, etc (Old World).  Quite expensive and sought-after, especially the cobra.

Lizards:

Teju:  New World lizard, blackish with yellow banding, growing to about 3 feet in length.  Rectangular stomach plates changing to smaller, rounded rectangles along the flank.

Java:   Old World Lizard.  Found in Indonesian Islands.  Characteristically round scales.  Look for the round-to-round: you can’t go wrong!

Ring Lizard:  the name for the leather that comes from the Asian Water Monitor (Old World).  Animal can grow up to 3 meters/9 feet long!  Look for the characteristic “rings” pattern on otherwise smaller scales.  Natural coloring is a taupe gray design on a buttercream background.

Nile Lizard:  an Old World Monitor specific to Africa.  Skin looks very much like ring lizard, only the colors are reversed (buttercream on a darker, greenish black) and the pattern much more defined.

Iguana:  New World Lizard.  Characteristics include a “dewlap” or row of spiked scales running along the spine that may or may not be found on the tanned hide, as well as a “parietal eyes” or  large eye-shaped scales directly behind the head.  Scales are small and consistent across the body (stomach and back).  Scales are smooth and unkeeled.

Avians:

Ostrich: Characterized by the giant quill cells prolific over the hide.  Leather can be used from the body as well as the legs, which look like “dinosaur skin,” long plated scales running the length of the legs.

Emu:  very similar look to ostrich, although the hide itself is smaller and not very sought-after.

Amphibians: the skins just “look like a frog.” Sorry: that’s not good enough, I know… maybe I’ll put some pics up…

Aquatic/Fish:

Eel:  Look for the long, pixilated stripe running the length of an extremely smooth, unscaled skin.

Stingray:  The most durable skin in the world—must be cut with a diamond blade!  Skin is covered in dimpled orbs, with a more-raised area along the spine.  Each skin has two holes where the eyes were on the animal.  The dimpled orbs may remain as they are, or may be sanded down for a smooth bubbled effect .

Shark:  One of the toughest leathers known to man.  Looks very much like sand from which water has evaporated—like the mud at a dried-up riverbed.  Does not smell pleasant.

If you’re still confused, I’d very much suggest typing the name of the actual animal (*NOT the name of its leather) into google images.  I found pictures of the live specimens infinitely helpful when trying to decipher the differences.

Although, I haven’t racked up the miles as much as I would have liked to this week, it seems that the miles that I did manage to run recorded some of my best times.

There were some nasty winds brought on my Hurricane Ida Tuesday morning, however, my new running mantra (Run in all weather because you never know what weather race day will bring.  NO EXCUSES!”) requires forces me to run in all weather.  Now, if only I could get enough rest at night to get up out of bed in the morning.  It looks like I need a mantra to make me move, too.

5 Miles

47:10

Ave Pace 9:26

On Thursday, I ran again on very frigid (for Florida) morning.  A cold snap had rolled through and our temperatures dropped to the low 50s.  There was more wind again, but it didn’t seem to slow me down too much.

5.05 Miles

48:00

Ave Pace 9:30

As I ran my 5 miles, I spotted a squashed creature in the road.  I thought it was toad due to all the rain, but upon closer inspection, I realized it was a baby alligator about a foot in length.  Seems like the rains and winds of Ida in addition to a cold snap confused all walks of life and I had to wonder:  Do you cry crocodile tears when an alligator gets run over?

Today, I ran once again, but only 3 miles since I wanted to do some strength training.  It was another cold morning (relative to Florida) but I believe the shorter distance did me some good or maybe it’s the cold snap.

3.10 Miles

28:14

Ave Pace 9:06

Tomorrow, Tiffany and I will meet the Striders for another 12-13 miles along the trail.  Next Sunday is the Women’s Half Marathon and we are hoping to finish under 2 hours.  Then, on Thanksgiving morning, we’ll be joining several Striders and thousands of people for the Turkey Trot.  I would love to beat my time from last year with a finish time of 54:00 otherwise i maybe crying crocodile tears once more.

New image in the black marker photoshop contest

ONLY SOURCE
Thanks to conceptbrc …
Alligator photoshop picture

Geez, I told Bob he wouldn't like the weather!

Hands up who has been  harboring an alligator in Huddersfield near the Crosland Moor in England? Come on people, someone has, because poor Peter Lumb nearly had the beejeezus scared out of him after he came across the remains while walking his dog. The bones have been checked and they are definitely from a friggin 6ft plus American alligator. The reptile hadn’t been dead long but it looks like someone tried to hack it up after it died.

Alligator mississippiensis (American alligator)

I visited the Australian Reptile Park (Pacific Highway, Somersby NSW 2250) with some friends yesterday, and these photos happened.

Pseudechis porphyriacus (Red-bellied black snake)

Sarcophilus harrisii (Tasmanian devil)

The Tasmanian devil was declared an endangered species in 2008 as a result of a massive reduction in numbers (some say 60%) due to devil facial tumour disease. The Australian Reptile Park maintains an “insurance population” of TDs and participates in breeding programs with other wildlife parks and government agencies to prevent the extinction of the species.

Physignathus lesueurii lesueurii (Eastern water dragon)

(probably) Pogona barbata (Eastern Bearded Dragon)

Geochelone nigra (Galapagos tortoise)

Tiliqua rugosa (Shingleback skink)

Dromaius novaehollandiae (Emu)

Grus rubicunda (Brolga)

More photos may be found on the Flickr page.

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Camera: Pentax K100D Super with Pentax DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED zoom lens. Ambient light (late morning to mid-afternoon) only. Cropping and resizing in Irfanview.